Darling Downs celebrates after Chris Burton seals Olympic silver medal in individual equestrian

The Darling Downs community has celebrated after equestrian star Chris Burton rode to a silver medal at the Paris Olympics this week. Check out the impact it is set to have on the region here.

Christopher Burton and horse Shadow Man of Team Australia celebrate after their round in the Eventing Jumping Individual Final. Photo: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images.

Darling Downs equestrian star Chris Burton was the toast of the region this week after he rode horse Shadow Man to a silver medal in the individual eventing equestrian competition.

While he came within touching distance of winning a gold medal, there was no dampening the delight of Darling Downs and Australian fans watching on from home.

Burton’s former school – Downlands College – shared their pride following his silver medal performance.

“The Downlands community are extremely proud of Christopher Burton’s achievements in winning silver in the Individual Olympic Eventing at the Paris Olympics,” Downlands College principal Stephen Koch said.

“It’s incredibly exciting to see Christopher not only competing at such a high level but also achieving the remarkable feat of winning an Olympic silver medal.

“This accomplishment is a testament to his dedication, hard work, and unwavering determination.

“It’s inspiring for everyone who has followed his journey and it brings a sense of pride and joy to the Downlands community.”

Koch believed this was the first time a Downlands past student has won a medal at the Olympics and expects Burton’s stellar performance to spur on current Downlands athletes in their individual pursuits.

“We’re very proud of having a past Downlander competing on a world stage like the Paris Olympics, especially considering his involvement in the three preceding Olympics,” he said.

“Seeing our past students succeed at such high levels brings immense pride and joy to current students, staff, and the entire Downlands family.

“Christopher is a great inspiration for current Downlands students in their own sporting pursuits, especially our students who represent the College in equestrian.

Chris Burton celebrates his silver medal during the medal ceremony. Photo: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images.

“Witnessing the achievements of past students, like Christopher, ignites a sense of pride and ambition within them.

“It’s not just about the victories and accolades, but also the dedication, hard work, and resilience that these athletes like Christopher, embody.”

The Royal Agricultural Society of Queensland (RASQ) has long been pushing for an equestrian centre of excellence in the garden city and with Burton’s latest efforts, RASQ chief executive Damon Phillips believes this will provide a massive boost for equestrian in the Darling Downs.

“For us and what we are trying to do with the equestrian facility, it is all about the athletes,” he said.

“Anything we do with the Toowoomba centre is athlete-driven to provide opportunities to excel in their chosen sport.

“Our aim has always been to provide those opportunities, right across Queensland where they can reach those elite levels.”

Phillips believes Burton’s rise from riding ponies in country Queensland to competing on the biggest stage in the world was incredible.

RASQ CEO Damon Phillips. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“When you have someone like Chris, who can go from pony club to the pinnacle, it is nothing short of amazing and proof of what a great talent he is.

“For a kid from the bush racing around a paddock on a pony to go to the top of the world is very special.”

Phillips also hopes this will create a boom of interest in equestrian with young stars aspiring to follow in Burton’s footsteps.

“One would hope we would see a boost, we are already seeing a strong number of people in inter-school sports,” he said.

“It is surprising, if you look at the number of people who are doing sport in Australia and riding ponies, it is phenomenal.

“The numbers of young kids who ride ponies … from all the little towns to inter-school competitions, it is something really special.

“When people get involved in horses, it is not a selfish sport, you have a horse to look after and it is very different to any team sport.”

Originally published as Darling Downs celebrates after Chris Burton seals Olympic silver medal in individual equestrian