Performance Case Study: Kevin Staut

Kevin Staut, born on 15 November 1980 near Versailles, France, is a renowned French equestrian specializing in show jumping.

His career began with a notable victory at the French Junior Championships in Le Touquet in 1995. Over the years, Staut has accumulated a series of accolades, including medals at the Show Jumping French Junior Championships, the Show Jumping European Championship for Young Riders, the Show Jumping European Championships, and the Show Jumping World Championships.

He made his Olympic debut in London in 2012 and has since been a part of Team France, securing one gold medal in his Olympic journey. In addition to his sporting achievements, Staut is also recognized for his contributions off the field as a humanitarian, philosopher, and activist, serving as the first athlete appointed to the FEI executive board. His engagement extends to working as an ambassador for JustWorld International, aiding children in impoverished countries.

Performance Overview (2018-2023)

In the last five years, Kevin Staut's statistics reflect a consistent and impressive performance in the equestrian sport:

• Earnings: His total earnings amounted to $1,876,607.
• Starts: He participated in 1088 starts.
• Wins: Out of these starts, he secured 12 wins, which translates to a win percentage of 1.10%.
• Top 3 Finishes: Staut achieved 71 top 3 finishes, marking a top 3 percentage of 6.53%.
• Average Scores: His average round score was 3.65, with an average jump-off score of 2.15.
• Clearance Rates: His round clears percentage stood at 42.11%, and jump-off clears at 57.41%.
• Time Faults: Time faults occurred in 1.78% of his rounds.

Data analysed using Prixview

Fault Analysis

The detailed breakdown of faults in various categories offers insight into specific areas of performance:

• Faults by Obstacle Type: The highest fault percentage was observed in plank verticals (11.76%) and skinny plank verticals (12.50%). Meanwhile, he demonstrated lower fault rates in obstacles like triple bars (3.62%) and skinny oxers (2.44%).
• Faults by Point of Contact: The most common points of contact leading to faults were the front (49.44%) and hind (38.48%) of the horse.
• Faults by Lead: Left lead faults were slightly more prevalent (48.03%) compared to right lead faults (42.13%).
• Combination Faults: Around 41.29% of his faults occurred in combinations, with the majority happening at 'A' (48.30%) and 'B' (38.10%) components of the combinations.
• Faults by Arena Type and Surface: Staut had higher fault rates indoors (6.18%) compared to outdoors (4.67%). On different surfaces, he had higher faults on grass (5.79%) compared to sand (4.87%).

2023 Performance Analysis (1.55m to 1.70m Competitions)

In 2023, Staut participated in numerous high-level competitions, demonstrating his skill and versatility:

• Significant Wins: He achieved first place in Stuttgart (GER) and Helsinki (FIN) on Beau de Laubry Z, with impressive clear rounds and competitive times (0/0/41.78 and 0/0/35.70 respectively).
• Consistent Performances: Staut consistently placed in the top 10 in several competitions, showcasing his ability to maintain high standards in different conditions and on different horses.
• Varied Results: The year also saw varied performances, with some competitions resulting in eliminations or lower placements, indicating the challenging nature of high-level show jumping.

Conclusion

Kevin Staut's career over the last five years epitomizes consistency, resilience, and excellence in the sport of show jumping. His achievements are not limited to his sporting endeavors but also extend to his significant contributions to society and the equestrian community. Staut's dedication to his sport and his humanitarian efforts make him an exemplary figure in the world of equestrian sports.