Tag Archives: Jasmin Lindner

Championships, Competitions, FEI, Vaulting

Vaulting Favourites Reign Supreme

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Lambert Leclezio with Estadoifce and lunger Loic Devedu. (FEI/Lukasz Kowalski)

Vaulting legends reigned supreme in Budapest (HUN) as FEI Vaulting made a successful return to the world stage, with Lambert Leclezio defending his World title for France, Jasmin Lindner (AUT) reclaiming the female individual gold medal, and Germany proving dominant in the Pas de Deux, Squad, and Nations Team categories.

After its triumphant debut at the FEI World Equestrian Games™ in 2018, The Nations Team event once again returned to great acclaim, delivering the first medals of the FEI Vaulting World Championships 2021.  The competition which sees two individuals and one team from each nation line up in the quest for national glory, once again provided a stage for history to be made.

Lambert Leclezio (FRA) defends his World title, Jasmin Lindner (AUT) reclaims the female individual gold, and Germany dominate the Pas-de-Deux, Squad, and Nations Team at the World Championships.

Team Germany, consisting of Jannik Heiland (9.048), Janika Derks (8.884), and Team Germany (9.157), was in a league of its own, posting an incredible average of 9.030 to retain the Nation’s Team World title. The silver medal was awarded to Eva Nagiller (8.938), Jasmin Lindner (9.061), and Team Austria (8.207), whilst history was made with the bronze medal going to Denmark, marking their new-found eminence on the world stage after impressive performances from Sheena Bendixen (8.988), Anna Damm (7.751), and Team Denmark (8.264).

In the female category, golden girl Jasmin Lindner reclaimed the World title she won at the FEI World Championships in Le Mans in 2016. The multi-talented, highly decorated vaulter added to her already impressive collection of Individual and Pas De Deux World gold medals after again showing her formidable talent and unmatched expression within the sport.

Renowned for her story-telling ability, Lindner, the only female vaulter to post a freestyle score over 9.0, dominated both freestyle rounds.  Partnering with her long-term team of lunger Klaus Haidacher and Dr Doolittle 5, Lindner’s Greta Thunberg inspired freestyle helped secure her unprecedented fifth Vaulting World title (3 Pas De Deux, 2 Individual), further contributing to her legacy within the sport (8.759).

Silver individual medallist from the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games™ Janika Derks (GER) once again took the second step on the podium with Dark Beluga and Barbara Rosiny.  Lindner’s fellow compatriot and training partner Eva Nagiller (8.578) took bronze after posting the highest technical test score of the female competition. Denmark’s Sheena Bendixen (8.461) and France’s Manon Moutinho (8.427) finished fourth and fifth, respectively.

The male category lit up the arena in Budapest with France’s Lambert Leclezio retaining the World title he won so emphatically at the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games™, once again pushing the boundaries of the sport and rising to the top of the highly competitive class.

Leclezio got his quest to retain his World title off to the best possible start, leading after the compulsory round on 8.849 – a score rarely seen within the sport and evidence of his outstanding technical ability. His nearest competitor, Jannik Heiland from Germany, finished round one on 8.584, with the chasing pack narrowly behind.

This exceptional standard was further evident in the first freestyle round where Leclezio, Heiland, and rising star France’s Quentin Jabet all posted scores in excess of 9.0. The skill, flexibility, expression, and harmony of those chasing the medals thrilling to watch.

Saturday’s technical test round saw Leclezio perform a breath-taking masterclass.  The flawless, technical elements coupled with his intricate, clever composition saw him post a previously unheard-of technical test score of 9.083, creating breathing space between him and his nearest competitors Heiland and France’s Theo Gardies. A fall for Quentin Jabet in the technical round saw him fall away from medal contention.

In their first championship together, Leclezio, lunger Loic Devedu and Estado IFCE performed a jaw-dropping final freestyle to retain Lambert’s World title, and further cement his legacy within the sport (8,989). Germany’s Jannik Heiland with Barbara Rosiny on the lunge and horse Dark Beluga also retained the world silver medal from the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games™.

Further evidence of France’s dominance within the male category, Theo Gardies took bronze converting his previous junior success into senior acclaim (8.659), with Quentin Jabet posting the highest final freestyle score of 9.126 to finish fourth and again prove that he is one to watch for the future.

In the squad competition Germany led through all three rounds of the competition, dominating the event.  Together with lunger Gesa Buhrig and Claus 51, the team from Fredenbeck upheld Germany’s rich history within the Squad competition to take gold. Their perfect final freestyle saw them awarded 9.224 to finish on an astonishing total of 8.735, scoring 0.7 more than second place Team Austria.  A masterclass in teamwork, coupled with incredible artistry and strength, saw the gold medal never in doubt. A commanding win for the powerhouse vaulting nation.

Representing Austria, URC Wildegg with Cornelia Trimmel and Leokado added to their already impressive tally of World and European medals taking second place (8.044). The United States of America finished in bronze medal position, the first time they have won a medal at the senior World Championships in squad since the 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games™, marking their ascent back to prominence on the world stage (7.914).  Denmark rounded off a history making Championship to finish fourth (7.856).

The ever-entertaining Pas De Deux class lived up to its highly entertaining billing, once again providing edge of the seat action.  Vaulting legends from the 2014 gold medal winning team, Team Neuss, Johannes Kay and Janika Derks (GER), converted the silver medal they won at the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games™ into gold in untouchable fashion. A fall by their fellow countrymen and nearest competitors 2019 FEI European Gold medallists Chiara Congia and Justin Van Gerven in the first round saw them enter round 2 with an impressive 0.7 advantage.  Together with Humphrey Bogart and lunger Nina Vorberg, they proved unbeatable, finishing on an impressive total of 8.936 and taking the top step on the podium.

Chiara Congia and Justin Van Gerven came back from their round one mistake in spectacular fashion to post the highest second round freestyle of 9.092, thus securing the silver medal (8.646).  The bronze medal went to USA’s Daniel Janes and Haley Smith, securing their first ever FEI medal as a pairing after bravely changing their freestyle between round 1 and round 2 (8.469).

By Hannah Eccles

Media contact:

Shannon Gibbons
Senior Manager Sport Communications
shannon.gibbons@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 46

Dressage, Equestrian Sport Prod., Para-Equestrian, Vaulting, World Equestrian Games

A Golden Day for the Dutch as Rixt van der Horst Enjoys Para-Dressage Glory in Tryon

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Rixt van der Horst and Findsley ©Sportfot.

Netherlands star Rixt van der Horst reflected on the “amazing” feeling of winning another Gold medal after she headlined day two of Adequan® Para-Dressage at the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018.

Van der Horst, who took double Gold at the 2014 FEI World Equestrian Games™ in France, sealed top spot in the Grade III Individual Championship on her bay mare Findsley.

Their score of 73.735% edged long-time leader Natasha Baker, of Great Britain, into second place as she excelled with new top horse Mount St John Diva Dannebrog, while American Rebecca Hart and El Corona Texel collected Bronze to become her country’s first world Para-Dressage medalist.

“I am really thrilled,” Van der Horst said. “It is so amazing to be world champion again. During my test, I didn’t realize it was that good.

“I was just riding my test and doing what I do and it was not until afterwards that I realized it was good. In the beginning I was nervous, but I relaxed during the test and it got better and better. It’s our first international competition together and I am so proud of her.”

Baker, a mainstay of Britain’s all-conquering Para-Dressage teams in recent years, was similarly delighted with the performance of her horse in what was a major championship debut for the partnership, as it had been for Van der Horst and Findsley.

“She was amazing, so, so, good and she went in there like she owned it,” Baker said. “I am just so proud of everything that we have achieved in such a short space of time.

“It is an honor to get called up for the team, especially after such a short space of time. I’ve only had her since January, and to have done everything we have and for the selectors to have the trust in us to come and do our best is fantastic.”

Italy’s Sara Morganti came out on top in the Grade I Individual Championship, winning an anticipated head-to-head battle with Singapore’s current world number one Laurentia Tan.

The pair was drawn as the last to two to ride in Tryon Stadium, and did not disappoint, with Morganti’s score of 74.750% on Royal Delight enough for victory as Tan and Fuerst Sherlock finished on 73.750%. Germany’s Elke Philipp claimed the bronze medal aboard Fuerst Sinclair with 73.143%.

“It was wonderful,” said Morganti, who won world Individual Gold and Silver medals in 2014.

“It’s incredible. I’ve had a very difficult year because of health problems and for a moment I thought I couldn’t go on.

“My horse was amazing and I have to thank my trainers who have been with me all along the way. I am happy because I wanted to get a medal for me, but also for them.”

Tan, meanwhile, added, “It’s really important to get a medal for my country. I felt relaxed and I just had to keep going.”

Philipp could scarcely believe the scale of her achievement as she completed the medal podium.

“I can’t have any words for this,” she said. “I hoped that I would win a medal, but now I have a medal! The arena is perfect for me and my horse and I think we did a good job.”

Long Standing Partnership Catapults Sheena Bendixen to Christie’s International Real Estate Vaulting Freestyle

Denmark’s Sheena Bendixen won the Individual Female’s Freestyle of the Christie’s International Real Estate’s Vaulting competition at the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018 on Wednesday, her score of 8.539 piping Germany’s Janika Derks and Sarah Kay.

Sheena Bendixen and Klintholms Ramstein ©Sportfot

The 25-year-old Bendixen, ranked in the world’s top ten, danced to victory and credited her long-standing partnership with black gelding Klintholms Ramstein and lunger Lasse Kristensen for the success. She won her first European Bronze medal with the same duo seven years ago in 2011.

“One stand was a bit shaky, but I just continued and smiled,” Bendixen said, earning top score for the Trakehner breed horse Ramstein, owned by her groom.

“We call him the psycho mouse. He loves the arena and always says ‘Here, look at me!’ I wanted to dance my emotions at this WEG, relaxation, power, elegance, harmony – everything should be in it,” Bendixen said.

“I had warned her that there is nothing more difficult than really dancing on a horse, not only with expressive hands, but also with your feet and she did it,” Kristensen said, a former world class Vaulter himself.

Janika Derks scored 9.473 for her technique, the best of the morning. For her Freestyle she used the music “La Terre en Ciel” that had already brought a Bronze medal on ice, dancing for Germany.

“I wanted it to look easy, soft and fluffy, quite a contrast to my usual vaulting. I am a very technical and strong vaulter and to show elegance and harmony is the hardest for me,” Derks said.

“It is always the same, the easier something looks the harder it is,” Derks’ lunger Jessica Lichtenberg said.

Several female competitors managed to dance a complete story. U.S. athlete Tessa Dirks danced to the music of the movie “Little Red Riding Hood.”

“I am kind of an upbeat person and I had to pretend to be afraid which is not quite like me. The panic of the wolf is more like the panic of the vaulter of not finishing on time.”

That fear was unnecessary because she finished on rank 7, with lunger Christoph Lensing, a double WEG Silver medalist himself.

Germany’s Thomas Brüsewitz Turns In His Second Vaulting Win at Tryon 2018

Germany’s Thomas Brüsewitz won the Individual Freestyle at Christie’s International Real Estate’s Vaulting discipline at the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018 on Wednesday, duplicating his success from Tuesday’s compulsory. Vaulting for a score of 8.987, he kept France’s Lambert Leclezio and Jannis Drewell for Germany at bay.

It was fireworks in the arena when world No.3, Brüsewitz did his Freestyle following the theme of the movie “The Truman Show.”

“The person in the show is a star because he is true to himself, a real person. Our vaulting is true as well. I thought this a fitting theme for the world championship here.”

Brüsewitz did not go the limit and kept it safe, omitting one handstand.

“When I had my signature movement out of the way, the flic flac backwards, I felt I should play it safe. I will keep it up my sleeve for the final Freestyle,” the student at a sports university in Cologne, Germany said.

FEI World Cup™ winner Jannis Drewell “danced with wolves” for his Freestyle, collecting 8.924 with four scores of 9 from the judges’ panel.

“I had this theme ten years ago for my very first national youth championship and I thought it was a good moment to come up with it again. It was much better than ten years ago.”

French Lambert Leclezio was not happy with his performance, finishing on 8.832.

“Two big movements did not go to plan, but maybe people on the outside did not notice.”

Austria’s Lindner/Wacha Set to Defend Their Pairs Title in Vaulting

The sparkle of 15,000 rhinestones lit the Indoor Arena in the Christie’s International Real Estate’s Vaulting competition at Tryon 2018, when the world’s best pair met for their first round of Freestyle.

Austria’s Jasmin Lindner and Lukas Wacha look set to defend their WEG title from 2014. They scored an average of 9.138, topping their Freestyle performance at WEG 2014.

Wearing a black-and-white costume, they interpreted the theme of the literature piece Chess Novel. It was the first time the freestyle was shown in public. It has been a work in progress since they started planning it two years ago.

“It was a wonderful feeling to go out and to know it will stun everybody. When you then get it all together at the right time the feeling is just hard to describe,” said Lukaas Wacha.

Their costumes had been handcrafted by both of their grandmothers, who are tailors in Vienna and Salzburg. It had been Jasmin Linder’s job then to attach the close to 15,000 rhinestones.

“Luckily Svarovski sits in Tyrolia where those two come from,” said team chief Manfred Reber.

The world’s highest ranked pair Italy’s Lorenzo Lupacchini and Silvia Stopazzini set the tone for a great competition. Vaulting as a pair for two years, they came out first into the competition and vaulted for a 9.057, earning six scores of 9s.

Breathing down their necks, only 0.001 point behind, are Germany’s Janika Derks and Johannes Kay. Her neon pink costume stood out against horse Dark Beluga when they showed their stunning lifts and elevations, defying gravity.

For more information on the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018 and to view start lists and results, please visit www.Tryon2018.com.

Championships, Competitions, FEI, Vaulting

Lindner Takes Double Gold and Germany Dominates in Junior Category

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Lambert Leclezio (MRI) (FEI/Daniel Kaiser)

Lausanne (SUI), 21 August 2016 – Competitors from 20 different nations came to Le Mans for the World Senior Vaulting Championships and the Junior European Vaulting Championships.  The atmosphere at Boulerie Jump was electric as athletes battled it out for the eight FEI titles on offer.  Spectators were treated to a range of different themes from the individuals, Pas de deux and teams, all who were hoping for that elusive FEI medal.

Senior Female class

Coming into the senior female competition, the class was wide open with a number of competitors winning CVIs throughout the season.  However, it was Pas de deux superstar Jasmin Lindner who stole the show, leading the class from the initial compulsory round and advancing her lead throughout the following freestyle and technical rounds.  Jasmin amazed audiences with her range of moves especially a difficult combination of a backwards handstand on the handles through to an inside bounce.

Coming into the last day, Linder, who teamed up with her long term lunger Klaus Haidacher and her horse Dr Doolittle 5, competing in its first championship, needed to do a clean freestyle to take the all-important gold medal.  Last to go, she performed effortlessly and as she dismounted it was clear she would now be FEI Individual Female World Champion™ her gold medal adding to her collection of gold World medals in Pas de deux and her previous world team medals.

Scoring a total of 8,212, Jasmin commented after the event, “It’s a great feeling because it is really surprising for me that I have won individual.  I thought that I could make the top five.  But I never thought I could win this championship.”

It was a tough contest for silver and bronze with many of the women making costly errors in the initial freestyle and technical test rounds. Kristina Boe, who has been amazing audiences all year with her zombie themed freestyle, unfortunately got a costly time penalty in her first freestyle which resulted in her not getting her last risk move or dismount counted and occurring a one point deduction off her artistic score.

However, Kristina, who teamed with Don de la Mar and Winnie Schlüter, rectified the mistake and captivated the crowds in Le Mans with her portrayal of Mary Poppins in technical and the highest scoring final freestyle of 8.559 to score a total of 8.108.  Marina Mohar and Nadja Büttiker put in great performances for Switzerland to finish fifth and sixth, respectively. Janika Derks, competing on a new horse to the competition circuit, Bella Bientje, came back from a fall in the first freestyle round to take fourth place. However, it was the FEI World Equestrian Games™ silver medallist Anna Cavallaro who managed to take the bronze medal for Italy with a smooth performance on her new horse Monaco Franze 4 with lunger Nelson Vidoni at the helm.

Senior Male

The men’s competition climaxed in a gripping final. The top two competitors after first round Clement Taillez and Lambert Leclezio both made errors in one of the five important technical test moves: jump to backwards, which left them both having to fight back in order to try to fill one of the spaces on the podium.  Their mistakes left the door open for the three German competitors, Jannis Drewell, Thomas Brusewitz and Daniel Kaiser.  Jannis Drewell, last year’s FEI European Vaulting Champion™, suffered a fall from the horse in the first round freestyle whilst impersonating the famous Sherlock Holmes.  However, after a solid technical test and final freestyle, he scored 8.117 in total, thus securing a bronze medal for Germany.  Thomas, last year’s silver medallist, competing on new horse Big Star, unfortunately wasn’t able to capitalise on his first place in technical test and thus had to settle for fifth place. Vincent Haennel stunned the home crowd with his final freestyle, performing it impeccably.  Alongside his horse Quartz D’Olbiche and lunger Fabrice Holzberger, he scored a total of 8.127 which put the pressure firmly on the shoulders of the young Mauritian Lambert Leclezio who was the last to perform with his team horse Quiece d’aunis and lunger Sandra Tronchet.  The young 19 year old, who made a name for himself at the FEI World Equestrian Games™ in 2014 and won the Longines Rising Star Award the same year, was able to show his unique strength and flexibility within his routine to score 8,593 in the final freestyle and thus with a score of 8.135 went on to win the first ever gold Equestrian Vaulting medal for Mauritius. World Champion Lambert enthused, “I am relieved.  It has been really a lot of work and I am really happy that we did it.  We had the most fun in the final round.  It felt easy today.”

Senior Pas de deux

Jasmin Lindner and Luckas Wacha treated the audience to a Pas de deux masterclass, repeating the feat they managed for the first time five years ago winning the FEI World Championship in Pas de deux.  Together with Dr Doolittle 5 and Klaus Haidacher, they were untouchable. As firm favourites of the class coming into the event the pressure was on their shoulders, yet they managed to command the class as they performed two routines to perfection, scoring a perfect 10 for artistic from judge Karolina Wickholm on day one.  This rounded off a golden day for Jasmin Lindner, Dr Doolittle and Klaus Haidacher, who took gold earlier in the female individual class.  They were the only Pas de deux to score over a 9 finishing on a total of 9.084.  Second place was closely fought between Janika Derks and Johannes Kay from Germany, Lucie and Simon Chevrel from France and Silvia Stopazzini and Lorenzo Lupacchini from Italy.  The German Pas de deux were the first of the last four to go and laid down the gauntlet for the rest of the class. Together in a historic pairing with Alexander Hartl and Holt’s Romeo – as their own horse had a little injury – they scored a total of 8.435.  Next to go was the French pair who performed their ‘Adam and Eve’ routine with an impressive stand on stand block to finish.  With lunger Elke Nousse and horse Rayo de la Luz they faced an anxious wait as their score of 8.370 put them into second place with two more Pas de deux to compete. Next to go, Silvia Stopazzini and Lorenzo Lupacchini proved that they are a pairing to watch out for in the future.  However, their score of 8.185 put them behind the German and the French pairs and with the multiple championship winning pair of Lindner and Wacha left to perform, it looked like the result would not be enough to guarantee them the medal.  Last to go, Lindner and Wacha proved that they are Pas de deux legends in the sport, being unbeatable at every World and European Championship since 2012.  The audience was electric as they appreciated the spectacle that the Austrian pair had treated them too.

Senior Squad

The team competition resulted in a nail biting final.  Team Germany on Lazio lunged by Alexander Hartl led the class after the compulsory round by a significant margin.  However, after the first round freestyle Team France represented by Team Noroc and featuring 2014 FEI World Equestrian Games Champion Jacques Ferrari, started closing the gap on their rivals.  Partnered with Sandra Tronchet and horse Wizner, their revolutionary style of vaulting – dynamic, creating interesting shapes on the horse whilst interpreting different birds – amazed the crowd in Le Mans.  Also achieving a perfect 10 from Pavla Kraupse for artistic in the final day, they were able to perform two incredible freestyle performances to score 8.343 and take the gold medal ahead of the German team, who were represented by Team Ingelsberg on Lazio 9 lunged by Alexander Hartl. Austria’s ‘Revenge’ themed freestyle featured a never been done before – handstand on the straight arms of someone standing.  Along with their horse Alessio l’Amabile and lunger Maria Lehmann they were able to take the bronze a medal – one which has availed them the past couple of years.  Fourth place was occupied by Team Switzerland who managed to put on a fantastic show despite having to make changes due to injury in the past couple of weeks.

Junior Female

After a strong Austrian presence in the Junior Female class over the last few years, the German representatives stole the show and largely dominated throughout the competition resulting in them taking home every medal on offer.  This was the first time any nation has achieved this feat in the FEI European Vaulting Championship™ Junior Female class since its introduction back in 2008.  Mara Xander, her first time in these championships, took gold in emphatic style scoring 8.466 in her final freestyle leading the rest of the field by a whole 0.6 marks.  The 15 year old, alongside her horse Luigi 198 and lunger Andrea Blatz, scored a total of 8.147, performing four tight rounds and setting herself above the rest of the field. Her freestyle was perfectly balanced between artistic impression and difficulty alike.  The silver medal went to last year’s FEI World Junior Championships™ silver medallist Franziska Peitzmeier competing with her medal winning combination of Anna Brinkhamm on the lunge and 9 year old gelding Dorian Gray SN. She scored a total of 7.853.  Hannah Steverding completed the podium for Germany, her bronze medal being the first of two medals she won this championship, with an upbeat freestyle to Doris Days’ ‘Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps’.  Together with experienced horse Cyrano 147 and Doris Marquart, she was able to post a total of 7.707.

Junior Male

This year’s junior male competition was a highly competitive class which saw the leader change almost every round.  Going into the final day the title was there for anyone to take. This year also saw a lot of new young faces burst onto the scene. Last to go on the first day Philip Clement, who only turned 14 in May, cemented himself as one to watch in the future by taking the lead in the first compulsory round.  He went on to make an impact in the freestyle round with his theme of the ocean showing a mix of flexibility and strength.  He just missed out on the podium; taking fourth place, however, is an exciting prospect is for the future. Likewise, 15 year old Ludo Campïon, who was last to go on the final day with Françoise Sivar and Ipsos d’Ecotay, wowed crowds with his freestyle and full twist dismount to take home the silver medal for the host nation France, scoring a total of 7.459. However, it was Konstantin Näser who managed to put in four solid rounds to score a total of 7.479 take the title for Germany and continue the German gold rush that day.  He partnered with Cyrano 147 and Doris Marquart who had just taken the bronze medal in the Junior Female class.  In this tight final there were a number of vaulters in the running for the bronze medal.  It went to Leon Hüsgen from the famed club Neuss Grimlenhausen.  He fought back hard after a disappointing first compulsory round, where he placed eighth to come alive in the second round with a great final compulsory and freestyle set to score 7.443 and secure the third position on the podium.

Junior Pas de deux

Diana Harwardt and Julian Kögl won the Junior Pas de deux title for the first time for Germany since its inception in 2012.  Together with lunger Hendrick Falk and Longinus 4, they performed a graceful, near perfect routine both days to clinch the title with a score of 7.989 and win the class by a huge margin of 0.9. With 0.4 separating the rest of the field going into the final day all the remaining Pas de deux were in with a chance. However, it was Spain’s Lucy Mae and Layla Anne Fraser who made history by taking home the silver medal for Spain, performing their space routine to score 7.239 overall.  They were aided by their mother Diane on the lunge and horse Simbal to come through from sixth place on the first day.  This is Spain’s first ever medal in Equestrian Vaulting and the Fraser sisters, who had a tense wait in kiss and cry, could not contain their excitement as they found out they had become European medallists.  The bronze medal was hard fought and eventually went to Austria’s Clara Köpke and Lara Maurer partnering with their horse Louis Bonheur and lunger Lena Kalcher-Prein to score a total of 7.143.

Junior Squads

The junior team competition culminated in a duel between Germany – represented by Mainz Ebersheim – and Switzerland – represented by Montmirail, with the latter coming through to win the competition by a narrow 0.028 margin in the final round.  After finishing compulsories in third place, Switzerland, aided by their horse Livanto CHA CH lunged by Mirjam Degiorgi, fought back round by round putting in two energetic performances of their dynamic freestyle to score 7.610 to take home gold for Switzerland.  This is the first time Switzerland has ever won the title of FEI Junior European™ team champions.  Germany, lunged by Alexandra Dietrich on Celebration 38, had to settle for the silver medal, performing two enjoyable rounds of their Japanese inspired freestyle.  They fell just short of taking the title scoring 7.582 overall.  Third place was occupied by the current FEI Junior World Champions™ Austria, represented by the successful Club 43 competing on Darwin 5 lunged by Karen Asmera.  After a shaky first freestyle they pulled out a great final performance of their circus freestyle to score 7.321 and take the bronze medal. The Czech Republic showed great potential for the future, finishing fourth with 6.999, with Italy also delighting audiences with their Mary Poppins theme, finishing fifth on a total of 6.964.

German National Trainer Ulla Ramage commented on the success of the Germans in the Junior Championship after taking three of the four titles on offer. “I expected success but now we got more than I was expecting; we gave them more support and we had a master plan for this.  This was the reason for the success.”

Results

Individual Senior Female: Gold – Jasmin Lindner (AUT) 8.212; Silver – Kristina Boe (GER) 8.108; Bronze – Anna Cavallaro (ITA) 7.992.

Individual Senior Male: Gold – Lambert Leclezio (MRI) 8.135; Silver – Vincent Haennel (FRA) 8.127; Bronze – Jannis Drewell (GER) 8.117.

Senior Pas de deux: Gold – Jasmin Lindner & Lukas Wacha (AUT) 9.084; Silver – Janika Derks & Johannes Kay (GER) 8.435; Bronze – Simon & Lucie Chevrel (FRA) 8.370.

Senior Squad: Gold – France (FRA) 8.343; Silver – Germany (GER) 8.260; Bronze – Austria (AUT) 8.159.

Individual Junior Male: Gold – Konstantin Näser (GER) 7.479; Silver – Ludo Campïon (FRA) 7.459; Bronze – Leon Hüsgen (GER) 7.443

Individual Junior Female: Gold – Mara Xander (GER) 8.147; Silver – Franziska Peitzmeier (GER) 7.853; Bronze – Hannah Steverding (GER) 7.707.

Junior Pas De Deux: Gold – Diana Harwardt & Julian Kögl (GER) 7.989; Silver – Layla Anne Fraser & Lucy Mae Fraser (ESP) 7.239; Bronze – Clara Köpke & Lara Maurer (AUT) 7.143.

Junior Squad: Gold – Switzerland (SUI) 7.610; Silver – Germany (GER) 7.582; Bronze – Austria (AUT) 7.321.

For full results and information, visit the Official Website: www.pole-europeen-du-cheval.com.

Re-watch the action on the FEI YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/user/feichannel.

By Hannah Eccles

Media Contact:

Leanne Williams
Manager Press Relations
leanne.williams@fei.org
+41 79 314 24 38

*Featured/Spotlights, Championships, FEI, Vaulting

German Clean Sweep in Male Individual Final, Austrians Dominate in Pas de Deux

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The reigning world and defending European champions, Jasmin Lindner and Lukas Wacha from Austria, clinched the Pas de Deux title once again the FEI European Vaulting Championships 2015 in Aachen, Germany today. (FEI/Dirk Caremans)

Aachen (GER), 22 August 2015 – Host nation athletes dominated the Individual Male Final while Austria claimed both gold and bronze in the Pas de Deux at the FEI European Vaulting Championships 2015 in Aachen (GER) today. Over 5,000 spectators roared with delight as relative newcomer, Jannis Drewell, pinned fellow-Germans Thomas and Viktor Brusewitz in silver and bronze when producing a stunning final Male Freestyle test.

But there was no big surprise when the reigning world and defending European champions, Austria’s Jasmin Lindner and Lukas Wacha, came out on top in the Pas de Deux.

Pas de Deux

The nine pairs in the Pas de Deux were representing seven countries, and former Vaulting superstar, Joanne Eccles, was lunger for the British pair who was first into the arena this afternoon. Eccles, who claimed Pas de Deux and individual gold at last year’s Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ in Normandy, France didn’t put herself forward for individual selection for the 2015 Championships, but she has been training Andre McLachlan and Rebecca Norval and their equally inexperienced horse, Norval, who got the competition underway with a score of 5.459.

Hungary’s Reka Gadolla and Reka Csordas upped the target when posting 6.806 before Switzerland’s Zoe Maruccio and Syra Schmid moved out in front when putting 7.171 on the board. Dutch sisters, Carola and Esther Sneekes were awarded 6.690 by judges Jochen Schilffarth (GER), Veronique Girard (FRA), Gaby Benz (ITA), Pavla Krauspe (SVK), Doris Knotter (AUT) and Monika Eriksson (SWE) before Switzerland’s Evelyn Freund and Stefanie Millinger set the arena alight with a great test that put them way ahead on a mark of 8.672.

Their powerfully-built horse, Robin, supported their adventurous programme that drew gasps of delight from the spectators and a strong technical mark of 9.005 from the judging panel. But the Swiss pair were immediately overtaken by Germany’s Pia Engelberty and Torben Jacobs. Lunged by former champion Patric Looser, the duo forged another new lead when earning 8.725.

Extremely polished pair

Jasmin Lindner and Lukas Wacha are an extremely polished pair, however, and with their eye-catching 1.90-metre-tall gelding Bram they were always favourites to take the title. Once again they combined power, balance and seamless transitions throughout their two-minute programme, and when 8.990 went up in lights there was no question about the destination of the gold medals. The last pair, Germany’s Gera-Marie Grun and Just Van Gerven finished just off the podium when slotting into fourth with a score of 8.469.

With today’s results added to those from yesterday, Lindner and Wacha completed on a final tally of 8.853 for gold while Engelberty and Jacobs rounded their score up to 8.725 for silver and Freund and Millinger took the bronze with 8.557.

“I’m very happy; it’s a super feeling to be here with so many spectators applauding. I can’t describe it!” Lindner said this evening. And silver medallist Torben Jacobs was also delighted with his result. “We wanted to show a Freestyle with a lot of expression. These were two good days for us,” the German vaulter said.

Male Individual

It was a close-fought all-German affair in the battle for the Male Individual title, with Thomas Brusewitz pinning the eventual champion Jannis Drewell into runner-up spot in this morning’s Technical test in which Viktor Brusewitz lined up in third.

Hungary’s Balazs Bence set the target in this afternoon’s finale to decide the medal placings, scoring 7.808 with his Aladdin-themed programme when seventh to go of the 15 starters. And then Clement Taillez went out in front on 8.052 before fellow-Frenchman Vincent Haennel’s brillliant dismount from Quartz d’Olbiche helped him establish the short-term advantage when awarded 8.133.

Thomas Brusewitz’s tiger-stripe costume has been attracting plenty of attention and, even with an early mistake, the younger of the Brusewitz brothers went well ahead with 8.563 for his performance. But older brother Viktor presented a routine that was all drama from start to finish. Together with his imposing horse, Rockard, and lunger Winnie Schluter, he brought the crowd to their feet when a mark of 8.563 went up on the board. But the excitement wasn’t over yet.

Electricity in the air

There was real electricity in the air as Jannis Drewell and his grey horse, Diabolus, began the final test of the competition. The 24-year-old has made a big impact this season, but in his very first Championships it was difficult to know what to expect from him. He has risen to the challenge with incredible ease, however, and having been highly competitive all week, he just blew all the rest away with a spell-binding final performance today.

In his costume, representing a monk in orange robes, and with his musical score from Kung Fu Panda, he showed extraordinary suspension and amazing speed, even managing to include some kick-boxing as he racked up big scores. He clearly knew he’d done something special despite a relatively cautious final dismount, and he burst into tears when he heard he had been awarded 8.732. Combined with his results from the Compulsory and Technical tests along with his first Freestyle, he was left on the winning total of 8.369, ahead of Thomas Brusewitz with 8.343 and Viktor Brusewitz, whose score rounded up to 8.157.

Chose themselves

German team coach, Kai Vorberg, talked about his athletes who proved untouchable for the medals today. “We have a lot of strong vaulters, at least five or six who could go to the Championships, but these guys chose themselves. It was very close (for selection). It’s not hard to coach these guys; the main thing is that they act as a team. We didn’t know who would be the winner, but they worked really well together and it has been really special.”

Silver medallist Thomas Brusewitz said: “It’s been like a dream competing in this crazy event in Aachen, to run into this great arena was amazing! We all pushed each other to reach our goals and together we produced great sport this week!”

For more information on the FEI European Championships 2015 in Aachen. visit www.aachen2015.de.

Full results of FEI European Championships Aachen 2015 here.

Facts and Figures:

9 pairs representing seven countries – Austria, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands and Switzerland – battled it out in today’s Pas de Deux Final at the FEI European Vaulting Championships 2015 in Aachen, Germany.

130 athletes from 15 nations have been competing for individual, pas-de-deux and squad medals over the last three days.

47 vaulters targeting the male and female individual medals, 18 went for gold in pas-de-deux and a massive 66 athletes competing in squad.

Austria’s Jasmin Lindner and Lukas Wacha, the current world and European Pas de Deux champions, re-claimed the European title.

15 vaulters from nine countries – Austria, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary, Italy, Slovakia and Switzerland – competed in the Male Freestyle Final.

A new Male champion was crowned when 24-year-old Jannis Drewell from Germany claimed the individual title.

German brothers Thomas and Viktor Brusewitz also claimed silver and bronze.

Quotes:

German coach Ulla Ramge, when asked about having three German vaulters on the podium: “I hoped for it! It was always possible because these guys showed that they could win. They all competed in four rounds of competition here and they needed to keep their concentration over the four rounds, but they produced the right performances at the right time, so it happened!”

Viktor Brusewitz GER, Individual Male bronze: “I made mistakes in the Kur, but I tried today to fight back and it worked!”

Ulla Ramge, talking about the new moves introduced in the Technical test: “There was an FEI Seminar in the spring and it was a matter of practice. There are two different, new exercises – some like the old moves and some like the new ones. We had no big problem with it.

“The two moves are a jump from kneeling forward to standing backwards – this is a great challenge for the balance – and the needle move. It’s really more of a challenge for the boys, but they did well.”

FEI YouTube

By Louise Parkes

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