Inigo Lopez De La Osa Franco Excels in Morocco's Prestigious Show Jumping Events
Inigo Lopez De La Osa Franco, the talented show jumper from Monaco, has recently completed a remarkable month competing on the Arab circuit, with notable participation in the Morocco Royal Tour held in the beautiful cities of Tetouan and El Jadida. Following this event, he also took part in the inaugural Longines Global Champions Tour event in Cairo. The 23-year-old athlete, who showcased his skills at the World Championship in Aachen this year, joined an elite group of riders as Morocco continues to enhance its reputation in the world of equestrian sports. This year's Morocco Royal Tour marked its 15th edition, and for the first time, the final leg, known as the King Mohammed VI Grand Prix in El Jadida, was elevated to the prestigious CSI5*-W five-star level, representing the pinnacle of show jumping competitions.
Lopez De La Osa expressed his enthusiasm for competing in Morocco for the first time alongside his horses, praising the exceptional organization of the events. "The facilities were unbelievable," he remarked, commending the Royal Moroccan Federation for their outstanding efforts. The successful elevation of the Royal Tour to a five-star event this year stands as a significant milestone for the region and the sport.
Challenges and Triumphs: A Remarkable Journey in Show Jumping
Lopez De La Osa's week in El Jadida took an unexpected turn when his primary horse, Nascar Van ‘t Siamshof, was not in optimal condition on the opening day of the competition. In response, he and his team made the strategic decision to move Desiree E Z, a mare he has been riding for several years, into the higher classes. "I was trying to protect her, trying to do the right classes for her," he shared, admitting he never anticipated her outstanding performance. The decision proved to be wise, as Desiree E Z exceeded expectations, finishing 15th in Saturday's 1.55m class, which encouraged the team to enter her in the Sunday’s 1.60m World Cup Grand Prix, the concluding event of the Royal Tour. "On the third day, we thought: ‘Why not jump the Grand Prix? Let’s give it a shot,’" he recalled.
Although Desiree E Z ultimately finished 30th out of 44 participants in the Grand Prix, with two fences falling due to a minor miscommunication on Lopez De La Osa's part, he remained proud of her performance. "She was flying over the fences. With a small rider misunderstanding, we had the last two down. Otherwise, she would have gone easily clear in the Grand Prix," he explained, highlighting the mare's dedication and exceptional effort. His pride in her performance was evident as he noted, "She was really giving herself 200 percent. I couldn’t be more proud."
Lopez De La Osa's journey to the top echelon of show jumping is quite unique. Born and raised in Monaco to an Italian mother and a Spanish father, he initially represented Spain at the youth level before relocating to Belgium at the age of 17, where he received an offer to represent Monaco. "I took that opportunity because I thought it might be the best thing for my sport and my career," he reflected. This choice has allowed him to flourish as a rider and reach heights previously unattained by Monegasque male riders, as he has competed for the Monaco Aces as the Under-25 rider in the Global Champions League.
His multicultural upbringing is a significant influence in his life, and he embraces the diverse experiences it has afforded him. "I speak many languages. I come from many people and many places," he noted, emphasizing the global nature of equestrian sports. When asked about the passion that transformed his childhood hobby into a professional career, De La Osa pointed to an insatiable drive for improvement. "You always want more in the end. You always want to achieve more, want to be better," he stated. "I’m very lucky. My job is my passion." Looking ahead, he aspires to compete in another world championship within the next three to four years, but his ultimate goal is to secure a spot at the upcoming Olympics in Los Angeles. "I really hope to be at the Olympics," he expressed, underscoring his determination to reach this pinnacle of athletic achievement.
As reported by arabnews.com.
