Take a look back at Bill Steinkraus’ historic win of the Individual Gold Medal in the Mexico City Olympics in this especially prepared video narrated by Bernie Traurig. These were the biggest jumps ever built at any Olympic Games! Following this video, watch several short excerpts from a larger collection of amazing footage gathered by Gordon Wright.
Take a look back at Bill Steinkraus’ historic win of the Individual Gold Medal in the Mexico City Olympics in this especially prepared video narrated by Bernie Traurig. These were the biggest jumps ever built at any Olympic Games! Following this video, watch several short excerpts from a larger collection of amazing footage gathered by Gordon Wright.
To watch to other Steinkraus clips, click the 
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About William Steinkraus
William Steinkraus is a five-time Olympic athlete. He was the first American to earn an Individual Gold medal in Show Jumping aboard Snowbound at the 1968 Summer Olympic Games in Mexico City. He obtained two silver medals in Team Jumping, first in Rome in 1960 on his mount Ksar d’Espirt, and again in 1972 on Main Spring at the Munich Games. Steinkraus won a bronze medal in Team Jumping at the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki, Finland on Hollandia. He was also slated to ride on the 1964 Olympic Team until his horse, Sinjon, was injured.
The quintessential horseman, known for his beautiful and timeless riding style, Steinkraus’ influence runs deep within the sport. He won the Maclay finals as a junior at Madison Square Garden in 1941. He rode for the United States Equestrian Team (USET) for 22 years and captained the Team for 17 years. He was inducted into the Show Jumping Hall of Fame in 1987.
William Steinkraus has also played a key administrative role in the equestrian sport. He was elected president of the USET (now the USET Foundation) in 1973, became its chair in 1983, and Chairman Emeritus in 1992. A director of the American Horse Shows Association (now the United States Equestrian Federation) for more than four decades, he has judged at the Olympics, Pan American Games, World Championships and World Cup Finals. He served as the president of the World Cup Committee for ten years.
In this photo: Bert De Nemethy and William Steinkraus
Looking for some more exclusive classic footage?
Click here to see Bert D’Nemethy’s first core USET Team 1957-1960