Two individual Olympic gold medals in show jumping distinguish the career of Pierre Jonquères d'Oriola, a feat unmatched by any other athlete in this discipline. Born in Corneilla-del-Vercol in 1920, the French equestrian operated at the highest level of international competition for nearly two decades, demonstrating technical precision and an ability to form partnerships with diverse equine mounts.
Olympic Success
The 1952 Olympic Games in Helsinki marked his first gold medal victory, achieved while riding the French gelding Ali Baba. Twelve years later, he returned to the top of the podium at the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo, this time aboard the French gelding Lutteur B. His success in Japan extended beyond individual performance, as he secured a team silver medal alongside teammates Janous Lefevre and Guy Lefrant. At the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City, he added a second team silver to his collection, competing on the horse Nagir with teammates Lefevre and Jean Marcel Rozier.
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International championship competition proved equally fruitful throughout the 1950s and 1960s. During the 1953 Show Jumping World Championships in Paris, he earned an individual bronze medal riding Ali Baba. The following year in Madrid, he improved his standing with a silver medal while competing on Arlequin. His most notable success at the world level occurred in 1966 at Buenos Aires, where he claimed the gold medal on Pomone B. He also recorded fourth-place finishes at the world championships held in 1953 and 1955.
European Contention and Recognition
Beyond global competitions, he remained a prominent figure within European show jumping. At the 1959 European Show Jumping Championships in Paris, he secured a silver medal while riding Virtuoso. His contributions to the sport and the prestige of France were formally recognized with appointments as a Knight and later an Officer of the Legion of Honour. He passed away in his place of birth, Corneilla-del-Vercol, in 2011.
Fast facts
- Born: 1 February 1920, Corneilla-del-Vercol
- Died: 19 July 2011, Corneilla-del-Vercol
- Citizenship: France
- Key Olympic achievement: Two individual gold medals
- Major mounts: Ali Baba, Lutteur B, Nagir, Arlequin, Pomone B, Virtuoso
- Awards: Knight and Officer of the Legion of Honour
Questions readers ask
What record does he hold in Olympic show jumping?
He remains the only person to win two individual Olympic gold medals in the show jumping discipline.
Was he related to other famous athletes?
Yes, his cousin Christian Jonquères d'Oriola was an Olympic and world champion in fencing.