Israeli equestrian Daniel Bluman will not be participating in next month's Tokyo Olympics over issues with his horse's nationality, Israel Hayom has learned.
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Bluman, 29, and national equestrian teammates Ashlee Bond, 34, Elad Yaniv, 41, and Danielle Waldman, 34, made history in July 2020, when they qualified to the Games in what stands to be the first time that Israel will compete in this sport.
Over the weekend, however, organizers informed Bluman he will not be able to participate in the Olympic Games in Tokyo, over the fact that the nationality of his horse, Gemma W., was listed as American, rather than Israeli.
"I was informed that I won't be able to attend Tokyo Olympics. A registration issue on the FEI [International Federation for Equestrian Sports] on our mare Gemma, and the tremendous opposition from the FEI legal department, crushed my dream to be in Tokyo," he wrote in an Instagram post.
"I am extremely disappointed with the FEI. I felt disrespected, treated as if I was a liar, deceitful, and wrong intended. I truly believe FEI and riders should work together for our sport. Certainly didn't feel like that on my first experience with FEI. I want to thank everyone that supported me on the journey to Tokyo and I will be cheering for Team Israel!"
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The Columbian-born Bluman is a highly experience showjumper, having competed in the 2016 Rio Games and the 2012 London Olympics, as well as in three World Equestrian Games, and the Pan Am Games. His absence from the games is likely to affect Israel's chanced of a medal in this sport.
According to the World of Showjumping website, FEI regulations for equestrian events at the Olympic Game mandate that horses entered for the equestrian events included in next month's games be registered with the FEI as having the same nationality as their rider.
The code further said that registration must be finalized by Jan. 15, 2021.
Bluman told the online magazine that when he discovered what he called "a clerical error" regarding Gemma W.'s nationality this spring, his request to backdate a change, but was denied by the FEI.
He appealed the decision but was again denied.
"I understand that the FEI is a big institution and that there are rules and protocols that need to be followed, but this particular experience with their Legal Department has been very sad for me," Bluman said.
"For me, the hardest part in this process is that it felt like the FEI is against me. My integrity has been challenged. It's okay to have different points of view and disagree, but I don't believe in insulting and offending people. It has been a painful experience, and I did not expect that the FEI Legal Department would take this route."
An FEI spokesperson told the World of Showjumping that "The FEI understands Daniel Bluman's disappointment and it is unfortunate that he missed the deadline to ensure his horse met the nationality requirements set down for the Tokyo Olympic Games, despite the clear reminders issued by the FEI in advance of the deadline.
"This rule is based on fairness and transparency and is not simply a formality. The rule does not provide for exceptions to be granted, and it must be applied consistently to all National Federations, Athletes and Horses to ensure a level playing field.
"Mr Bluman had a full right to be heard and all his legal rights were respected at all times," the spokesperson said. "He was granted an expedited hearing before the FEI Tribunal and his request for provisional relief before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) was also expedited.
"Mr. Bluman's request to the Court of Arbitration for Sport for provisional measures suspending the effect of the FEI Tribunal decision was also dismissed on June 30, 2021."
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