Q&A with Olympic medalist, Woodside native Karl Cook

Karl Cook, enjoying a bite of his Olympic silver medal on August 2, 2024. Courtesy of US Equestrian.

“I’m eager to get back in the saddle,” Woodside native Karl Cook tells The Almanac after clinching a silver medal at the Paris Olympics earlier this month. He and his mare, Caracole de la Roque, have returned to Rancho Santa Fe to prepare for their next challenge.

This story has been edited for length and clarity.

**The Almanac:** How did it feel to be called up at the last minute for Team USA’s show jumping event?

**Karl Cook:** Naturally, you want to be part of the team from the beginning, but once we were selected as alternates, we were ready to step in. When the call came, we were thrilled.

**Q:** And ready?

**A:** Yes, we prepared as though we were always going to compete, so we felt as ready as possible. You don’t truly know until you’re out there, but in the moment, I felt prepared.

**Q:** You’ve had international success for years, but this time you were competing with and against Olympic veterans. Was that intimidating?

**A:** Not really. I’ve been climbing the ranks in international competitions. Focusing too much on your competitors can give them an advantage. We were there to compete and win because we believed in our abilities.

**Q:** On Days One and Two of the team competition, you had two clear rounds. How did that feel, and how challenging was the course?

**A:** The first day’s course is designed to be easier to set up for the tougher second day. The second day was significantly more challenging. Jumping double clear was a huge relief and an exciting achievement. It was gratifying to show that I could perform despite others’ doubts.

**Q:** Can you elaborate?

**A:** There was a belief that I couldn’t handle Nations Cups and was a liability. We made the team by performing well in Nations Cups and Grands Prix. Proving those doubters wrong and riding with a chip on your shoulder can be a powerful motivator.

**Q:** What are your thoughts on winning silver and being on the podium?

**A:** My focus was on doing my best for the team rather than on individual results. I wasn’t tracking other teams' scores or standings. When McLain Ward jumped clear in the second round, someone told us we were on the podium. I didn’t know our exact standing until the last French rider had a rail and we were bumped to silver. It was an amazing feeling.

**Q:** Have you always dreamed of competing in the Olympics?

**A:** Yes, if you’re in an Olympic sport, the Olympics are a dream. I’m grateful to have competed and to feel proud of our performance.

**Q:** Does your experience in Woodside play a role in your current success?

**A:** During our warm-up in Versailles, I felt a sense of freedom and joy similar to riding in a beautiful, expansive field. At high levels, the pure joy of riding can get overshadowed by other pressures, so that moment was special.

**Q:** In the individual event, some competitors struggled with the course. What were you thinking before riding in the finals?

**A:** I saw some riders struggle but wasn’t too concerned. The course was technical and challenging, perhaps the toughest I’ve faced. After three clear rounds, I was confident in my horse and excited for another chance at a medal.

**Q:** What’s next for you and Caracole?

**A:** We’ll give the horses some rest after the championships and then compete in a few more shows this year. If all goes well, we aim for the Rolex Five Star in Geneva in December. I’m still working on qualifying for that event.

**Q:** What a year! You got married, won first and second in several Grand Prix events in Florida, Rome, and France, and you’re already back in training?

**A:** Yes, staying focused and training hard is crucial. Resting means falling behind.

**Q:** Anything you’d like to add about your support team?

**A:** It’s easy to focus on the rider and horse, but a lot of people and a significant infrastructure support us. I’m proud of my horse, her groom, and everyone involved. It takes a team effort to achieve success at this level, including my mother, Signe Ostby, who owns Caracole.

**Q:** You posted on Instagram, “If it’s worth doing, it’s worth overdoing.” Does this philosophy extend to designing your own riding clothes and horses’ shoes? Is more coming?

**A:** Yes, and there’s always more to come. The key is focusing on all the small details rather than looking for a single important element. Success is built on many small, perfectly executed things, not just one.