TOKYO -- Many times, the Springsteen family has been platinum. It's time to add some silver.Jessica Springsteen and the U.S. Equestrian Jumping Team fell just short of Olympic Gold, falling to Sweden in Saturday's jump-off that left them with a record 10-year-old medal.The 29-year old Springsteen is making her Olympic debut. She's the daughter of legendary rockers Bruce Springsteen (and Patti Scialfa), and this marks her first Olympic appearance. She rode Don Juan van de Donkhoeve's powerful stallion and clipped one rail in Saturday's primary round. McLain Ward also did the same. The U.S. was tied with the Swedes for first place with eight penalty points.Springsteen, Laura Kraut, and Ward all completed the short jump-off course in 124.2 seconds.Peder Fredricson was the last rider from Sweden. He had to complete the circuit in 40.30 seconds without errors. This week, the Americans entered with three golds.France was on its way to another straight gold, when Penelope Leprevost took the course. Leprevost and the French team were required to finish with less than five points in order to win without a jump off. Leprevost's horse refused to go twice, disqualifying her.The Americans and Swedes were tied for first place, and the jump-off was necessary.This is the second consecutive silver for the U.S. Team, which also has Kraut, Ward, as its last gold.Springsteen stated after Friday's qualifying round, that her parents were watching from home. This was because athletes were not allowed to bring their families to Japan during the coronavirus pandemic.After watching her mother ride, she felt inspired to learn how to ride. She began training at her family's farm in Colts Neck (New Jersey) and continued her riding journey.Fredricson was joined by the Swedish riders Henrik von Eckermann, Malin Baryard Johnsson, and Malin Baryard Johnsson to win the gold medal.
