Olympic eventing individual gold medalist David O’Connor, the first president of the U.S. Equestrian Federation, was presented with the Gen. Douglas MacArthur Exemplary Service Award by the U.S. Olympic Endowment at its annual award ceremony in Colorado Springs at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum. He is the only equestrian ever to receive the honor.
The award was given in recognition of his continued service and commitment to equestrian sports within the Olympic and Paralympic movements. The award recognizes those whose “commanding presence and endeavors have advanced the ideals of the Olympic Movement, and whose commitment to relevance is reflected in a legacy of dedication to the service of others.”
David O’Connor carried the American flag on his victory gallop aboard Custom Made after winning individual eventing gold at the 2000 Olympics. (Photo © 2000 by Nancy Jaffer)
David became USEF president as the organization formed in the resolution of differences between USA Equestrian and the U.S. Equestrian Team, which became a foundation.
He set the standard for USEF’s key strategic initiatives and growth during two terms as president from 2004 through 2012. He was the technical advisor for the U.S. eventing team and chairs the FEI Eventing Committee.
“David has represented the equestrian community, both in competition as an athlete, and in governance as a leader, with confidence and complete dedication, always putting the best interests of our sport at the forefront of everything he does,” said USEF CEO Bill Moroney.
“He is most deserving of this recognition and his devotion to ensuring the continued success of the equestrian disciplines has been instrumental in the shaping our community and sport here in the United States and around the world.”
David was on the silver medal team at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Ga., followed by taking individual gold and team bronze at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia.. He led the U.S. to team bronze at the 1998 World Championships in Rome, and team gold at the 2002 World Championships in Jerez, Spain. David was a three-time winner of the Kentucky Three-Day Event, and participated on nearly every U.S. eventing team named between 1986 and 2004.
He was inducted into the United States Eventing Association Hall of Fame in 2009, along with the two horses on which he achieved much of his international success, Giltedge and Custom Made. He is a two-time USEF Equestrian of the Year, in 2000 and 2002.
He has continued to serve the equestrian community for more than four decades and is an instrumental leader in the growth and visibility of equestrian interests across the Olympic and Paralympic movements. He remains a coach and mentor to many athletes and facilitates successful competitions across the U.S., while supporting the long-term success of the U.S. eventing program.