Team USA’s equestrian team suffered a massive blow as they announced a last-minute roster change. Things went wrong at a moment’s notice as Will Coleman’s prized eventing partner Diablo faced an unfortunate health issue. As athletes and fans witnessed a historic opening ceremony, Coleman and his team tended to Diablo, to get the horse back on his feat.

“The last 48 hours have truly been tough for our team, but particularly for Will Coleman.” announced Us Equestrian. The 41-year-old veteran equestrian’s direct reserve, Diablo, was in great condition when they left America. The horse looked “happy and fit” even after arriving at the venue in Paris. However, shortly after entering the stable, the horse showed signs of discomfort.

The Olympian’s team, which included his wife Katie Coleman, immediately went to work. They identified an abscess and treated it. Although the eventing horse recovered in time, they ultimately decided to withdraw. US Equestrian announced that “Traveling reserve combination Liz Halliday and Nutcracker,” will replace Coleman and Diablo.

“We felt, after weighing the risk, it was not in Diabolo’s or the team’s best interest for him to move forward with the competition this week,” Chef d’Equipe Bobby Costello added. However, Costello also felt confident that Halliday and Nutcracker have the “ability” to keep Team USA in contention for eventing medals. Paris 2024 will be Liz Halliday’s first Olympics.

Unfortunately for Coleman, the setback must have renewed memories of a similar setback he suffered two decades ago. The veteran horse rider has had a long and fruitful career and nearly became one of the youngest riders to qualify for the Olympics at 20. However, Coleman’s horse Fox In Flight got injured during qualifying. After two decades of further experience and an Olympic appearance under his belt, the athlete had a good chance of finally earning a coveted Olympic medal.

What makes Will Coleman and Diablo a special equestrian duo?

Diablo joined Coleman’s team in 2023. After becoming aware of the horse, the 41-year-old traveled to Australia and bonded immediately. Although the duo hasn’t competed together a lot in the span of a year, they’ve had five top-10 finishes. Out of the 23 FEI events, they have finished outside the top-10 only twice. Diablo and Coleman’s best win has been the prestigious 2024 Kentucky Three-Day Event in the “highly competitive CCI4*-S division.”

Coming so close to the goal only to return empty-handed has been devastating for the equestrian. “I don’t have anything to say other than I wish all of Team USA the very best of luck this weekend,” Coleman wrote on social media. However, the Team USA star isn’t returning right away. On the contrary, Coleman has decided to stay and support his team members this weekend at Chateau de Versailles. A decision that embodies the true Olympic spirit.