The 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City were remarkable for many reasons, not least is that Canada sent a show jumping team to compete at the Olympics for the first time. On October 27, 1968, at the Stadium Estadio Olimpico Universtario, three Canadian men and their horses captured the hearts of their nation with rides of grit, determination, and courage. Jimmy Day riding Canadian Club, Jimmy Elder on The Immigrant, and Tom Gayford with Big Dee captured the Gold Medal before thousands of spectators in the last competition of the Games before closing ceremonies.

The ‘order of go’ was determined – Tom Gayford would be the first to tackle the course as the pathfinder, Jim Day would follow in second position, and Jim Elder would ride as the anchor. After the first round over a gruelling course of huge obstacles, Canada stood in third place. The Canadians returned to the ring and, with fierce fortitude, ended the second round with a total of 102.75 faults to clinch the Gold Medal for Canada. The French took Silver with 110.50 faults while the Germans accumulated 117.25 faults for Bronze.

The victorious Canadians – Tom Gayford, Jim Day and Jim Elder – all members of Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame as well as the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame, are hailed as Olympic heroes for their bravery and skill. The Show Jumping Team Gold Medal was Canada’s only gold medal at the 1968 Olympic Games. Their achievement remains unparalleled in Canadian show jumping history.

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