Mario Deslauriers

Deslauriers, Mario

Mario Deslauriers, equestrian (b at Venise en Québec, Qué 23 Feb 1965). He began riding at a young age, coached by his father, accomplished horseman Roger Deslauriers. In 1984, at the age of 19, Deslauriers became the youngest rider to ever win the annual World Cup Final, a record he still holds. Riding the legendary Aramis, Deslauriers was also the first Canadian to capture the title in his first World Cup Final appearance. The same year, again riding Aramis, Deslauriers was involved in a three-way jump-off for the individual bronze medal at the 1984 Olympic Games at Los Angeles. Both Deslauriers and the Canadian team placed fourth overall.

Deslauriers made his second Olympic appearance in 1988 at Seoul riding Box Car Willie; the Canadian team again placed fourth. Two years later, he represented Canada at the 1990 World Championships at Stockholm, Sweden, with Calvados Orion.

Deslauriers has twice been named Canadian National Show Jumping Champion, in 1992 with Alemao and in 1997 with Amistad. Deslauriers and Amistad, a thoroughbred, were the Canadian Show Jumping Team alternates for the 1998 World Championships at Rome, Italy.

Deslauriers has competed in 12 world cup finals, tying him with Ian MILLAR as the Canadian rider with the most World Cup Final starts. While competing at the 1999 World Cup Final at Goteborg, Sweden, Deslauriers was awarded the World Cup silver medal, signifying that he has competed in over 100 world cup qualifying competitions, winning on 16 occasions. He has won the Canadian World Cup League on four occasions - 1988, 1994, 1998 and 2000. Deslauriers has also represented Canada in over 20 Nations' Cup team competitions.

Deslauriers trains at Bromont Equestrian Centre in Québec, site of the equestrian competition for the 1976 Olympic Games at Montréal and is still active in international competition.

See alsoEQUESTRIAN SPORTS.