An Olympic equestrian has ensured his trusty steed hasn’t been forgotten after he bagged a bronze medal – by taking a triumphant selfie with him.
Japanese athlete Yoshiaki Oiwa claimed Japan’s first equestrian medal in 92 years in Paris on Monday and he celebrated with a snap of himself and his horse MGH Grafton Street, who cheekily stuck out his tongue.
Beaming in the sweet picture, he wrote: ‘Got it!! I’m still busy so I’ll do it later. We did it! Thank you everyone for your support! I’m tired ~ Let’s take a rest.’
Japan had not won a medal in equestrian since 1932, when Takeichi Nishi won gold at the Los Angeles Games for individual jumping.
The snap, which racked up over 5.5 million views, gained a lot of attention online with fans flocking to congratulate the duo.
Yoshiaki Oiwa shared an adorable selfie with his horse MGH Grafton Street after they won bronze at the Paris Olympics
One person said: ‘Congratulations on the bronze medal. The Grafton Street issue also did a really good job. Please give me some praise!
Another said:’He made history in Japanese equestrian sports! Thank you and congratulations.’
Someone else said: ‘Thank you to all the Middle-aged Japan riders for the inspiring performance! Your calm horsemanship was spectacular and wonderful! Your English interviews after the competition were also excellent!’
Meanwhile NBC Washington’s Haleigh Hoffman called it the ‘Best selfie of the Olympics.’
The Japanese equestrian team included Ryuzo Kitajima, Yoshiaki Oiwa, Kazuma Tomoto and Toshiyuki Tanaka.
Japan took home the bronze medal in the equestrian team eventing behind France, which earned silver, and Britain, which won the gold medal.
Japan’s Yoshiaki Oiwa pats his horse Mgh Grafton Street after competing in the Equestrian Jumping competition
Ryuzo Kitajima, Yoshiaki Oiwa, Toshiyuki Tanaka and Kazuma Tomoto celebrate their bronze medal on the podium during the Eventing Jumping Team Final
Eventing Individual Jumping Qualifier Japan’s Yoshiaki Oiwa, in, Chateau de Versailles, France
The snap, which racked up over 5.5 million views, gained a lot of attention online with fans flocking to congratulate the duo
Yoshi began riding as a high school student and he took up eventing during his time at University.
Eventing an equestrian competition that typically takes place over three days and includes the events of dressage, cross-country, and show jumping.
In 2001 he moved to the UK in order to pursue eventing, trained by Andrew Hoy, and in 2008 he moved to Germany where he trains with German rider Dirk Schrade.
He earned Best Equestrian Athlete; award at the Japanese sports awards in 2005, ’07 and ’11.
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