Chris Von Martels named to Olympic team

Ridgetown’s Chris von Martels and 11-year-old bay Dutch Warmblood gelding Zilverstar helped Canada earn a silver at the Pan-Am Games. PHOTO courtesy of CEALY TETLEY – www.tetleyphoto.com

Ridgetown’s Chris Von Martels was a last minute addition to Canada’s Equestrian dressage team.

He will begin competing on Tuesday (July 30) and Wednesday. The team finals are scheduled for next Saturday.

Von Martels and his horse Eclips was called up to the Olympic team last week, after Jill Irving’s horse Delacroix was declared not fit to compete. He was named an alternate to the team earlier this month.

The 41-year old Von Martels competed for Canada at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, finishing 39th in Dressage Individual and 11th in Team Dressage.

In 2015, Von Martels competed in the Pan American Games in Toronto, earning a bronze in individual and capturing a silver in the team category.