Chinese rider Xu Zhengyang says he has valued his experience competing in the equestrian jumping individual event at the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in Singapore, despite missing out on a medal.
"My main goal was to learn and enjoy this, not to win a medal," said the 17-year-old high school student from Shanghai.
"I achieved my personal best. In my final round I managed to avoid the same mistakes I made in the past few days."
Xu had to build a quick relationship with his horse to make up for his lack of preparation.
"The horse was a bit tired after several days of competition and didn't hit top form," admitted Xu, whose horse made a refusal at a final round obstacle.
The jumping individual has two rounds and attracted 38 riders. After a fierce jumpoff, Chirico Marcelo of Uruguay clinched victory. Gamboa Mario from Colombia and Malhas Dalma Rushdi from Saudi Arabia took the silver and bronze respectively.
"I've learned skills from other riders and coaches. That is enough," added Xu.
Xu has enjoyed the YOG's culture and education program, which allowed him to meet former champions.
As an athlete and student, Xu had been busy with his studies and only rode twice a week in the lead-up to the Games. He said he was confused about how to balance study and training.
"I raised this question to the legendary pole-vaulter Sergey Bubka and he gave me some advice," he said. "My schedule has been tight, and now I can have a break and enjoy myself."
Xu first rode at the age of six, but didn't ride competitively until 2008.
Meanwhile, in the last night of athletics at Bishan Stadium, Cuban hurdler Norge Sotomayor clinched the boys' 400-meter hurdles title. Norge, 17, held off Indian Kumar Durgesh to win in 50.69 seconds. "I just had to win this race," said Norge, the 2009 World Youth champion in the event. "It was not just for myself, but also for my teammates, my country."
The joy was soon doubled when compatriot Radame Fabar Sanchez, 17, cleared 16.37 meters - 38 centimeters further than his previous best - to win the boys' triple jump ahead of China's Fu Haitao (16.14 meters).
The double-gold haul saw Cuba finish second overall in athletics, one shy of Russia and Kenya, who topped the medal standings with three golds apiece. A total of 36 track and field golds, the most of any sport at the inaugural Youth Olympic Games, were on offer.
Traditional powerhouses the US took just one gold, thanks Robin Reynolds' win in the girls' 400 meters.
While Russia sealed their victories earlier in the competition, Kenya's late surge came courtesy of a strong performance in last night's 2,000-meter steeplechase events.
Personal best times by Peter Matheka Mutuku (5 minutes 37.63 seconds) and Virginia Nyambura (6:29.97) were enough to hold off the challenge of their Ethiopian rivals Habtamu Fayisa (5:39.10) and Tsehynesh Tsenga (6:37.81) respectively.
Poland's champion shot-putter Krzysztof Brzozowski was the only Under-18 record breaker during the seven-day competition. His 23.23-meter throw eclipsed Marin Premeru's 2007 mark by 44 centimeters.
Xinhua - www.singapore2010.sg