Defending gold medallist the United States won the Olympic Equestrian Jumping Team gold medal, holding off a strong challenge from Canada in the team final competition at the Shatin Equestrian Venue Monday night.

In the team final, the United States and Canada were tied for first place on 20 penalties. They were forced into a jump-off to decide the winner of the Jumping Team.

The United States finished on zero penalties while Canada ended on 4 penalties in the jump-off round.

Norway came third on 27 penalty points and claimed the bronze medal.

"It's like a dream comes truce, amazing. And dreams do come true", Laura Kraut, the US team member, told reporters.

Kraut said, "We wanted a gold medal very, very badly, it's a great feeling."

Meanwhile, Kraut's teammate Mclain Ward said, "We all did it and it's really exciting. There are a lot of people behind us to make it happen, and we want to thank them."

(Xinhua News Agency August 18, 2008)