The chance was there.
Of six flawless riders who went on to the jump-off in Tokyo, three of them were Swedes.
But it was only the second Peder Fredricson who was allowed to stand on the podium when everything was said and done.
Henrik von Eckermann at King Edward was fourth and Malin Baryard-Johnsson at Indiana was fifth.
- It feels a little empty.
I get to a basic round that is almost perfect and in the jump I do what I can.
With the flawless crews involved, I know I'll have a hard time jumping.
Unfortunately, these are some of the world's fastest crews, says Baryard-Johnsson after the jump.
- I get to a good round and did what I could.
That was not enough today.
"It cost a medal"
Baryard-Johnsson is making his fifth Olympics but has never before won an individual Olympic medal.
That did not happen this time either and it is a snooping feeling to be so close.
- It's shitty.
I did what I could and we had dotted the form.
The riding is sitting and it is unfortunate that there are some who are faster in the jump.
But it is clear that it is sour, no one remembers a five, she says.
Henrik von Eckermann was even closer.
He was less than a second behind third Maikel van der Vleuten, the Netherlands.
- It's a little empty now.
But I have to take it upon myself.
The horse could not have done better and I was too slow.
There is not much more to say, he says after fourth place.
The 40-year-old started the jump as he wanted, but after the first three obstacles things went worse.
- It cost a medal.
Von Eckermann took his top spot in a championship.
It used to be the fifth place at the European Championships in Madrid ten years ago.
But being so close to a medal, it really stung.
- This is not the first time.
It's a little harder in an Olympics than in a regular competition.
The horse has jumped well and we have to recharge for the team qualifiers, says von Eckermann.