Andrew Nicholson narrowly failed to add to New Zealands Olympic medal haul when he finished fourth in the individual section of the three-day eventing at Greenwich Park today.
Nicholson, who turns 51 tomorrow, had already secured a bronze medal as part of the New Zealand effort in the teams event.
Competing in his seventh Olympics, Nicholson was the teams best performer.
In the afternoon showjumping competition he was a whisker away from another medal.
Riding Nereo, he knocked down one rail and finished with 49 points. This left him in fourth place, hearth-breakingly close to an individual medal.
The other New Zealanders in the final showjumping round also finished in the top 12.
Jock Paget, riding Clifton Promise, went clear but incurred a one-point time penalty. His final total was 53.90, which placed him 10th.
And Mark Todd, riding a tired-looking Campino, had two rails down and slipped back to 12th spot with 57.30 points.
The individual event was won by German Michael Jung on Sam, with a score of 40.40 points. Swedens Sara Algotsson Ostholt looked to have the gold medal locked up, but knocked down her final rail and slipped to second.
Nicholson, who has won three Olympic teams medals, did not have the rub of the green.
On the opening day his dressage was delayed just before his turn and when he finally did compete he felt his horse was struggling after the unexpected postponement.
Nicholson was critical of the organisers for the way they handled the rain break.
Princess Annes daughter, Zara, riding High Kingdom, had a clear final round and moved into eighth place, to the delight of the home crowd.
