Home HomeSwedenLivingWorld world_2_fill WorldBusiness BusinessSports sports-soccer SportsEntertainmentEntertain

He gives up large sums of money in the hunt for an Olympic gold

The day has come. Henrik von Eckermann and King Edward are jumping for the Olympic Games gold he so fervently desires. If he wins, the world number one means that it's worth all the money he has sacrificed to achieve the greatest thing he can as a show jumper. If you look at it harshly, the Olympic Games are economically zero for me, he says.

» Updated: 19 September 2024, 18:11

» Published: 06 August 2024

He gives up large sums of money in the hunt for an Olympic gold
Photo: Pontus Lundahl/TT

Most national Olympic committees or states reward their medalists with generous bonuses. Not the Swedish one. The Swedish Olympic Committee chooses, roughly simplified, to spend the money on supporting the Olympic athletes on their way to the Olympic Games.

Neither does the International Equestrian Federation pay out prize money, unlike World Athletics, which from Paris onwards rewards the athletes with approximately half a million kronor for an individual Olympic gold medal.

Today's Olympic final in show jumping (10.00) is on par with any major competition. The winner usually receives around one million kronor.

Skipped Competitions

This year, Henrik von Eckermann has skipped several competitions to give King Edward the best possible conditions ahead of the Olympic Games.

It has a price.

If I had only ridden to earn money, I wouldn't have ridden the Olympic Games but chosen four, five competitions this year on my horse. Now, it needs both rest and buildup ahead of the Olympic Games and rest again after the Olympic Games.

It costs to be at the top. The world number one must earn substantial sums to run their operation.

I love riding for my country. Every time I put on the jacket, I'm proud and I don't think about anything else. Another part of me sees the costs. What comes in and what goes out every month. I see what the difference is between a championship year and a year without championships.

Honor is Important

It's something you can't ignore. My heart beats more for the championships. I'm not complaining, but I have to have that eye. This year, I'm doing a few Global Champions Tour, but not as many as last year. It's just a matter of counting plus and minus to see the difference.

Do you think prize money should be introduced in the Olympic Games?

For me, it's important that it's about honor. I don't give a damn about the money when I go to Paris. I don't want to talk about money at all when I compete. I've never once gone into a class thinking I'm going to win money.

But to be able to aim for the Olympic Games, I have to earn money. That's why it's so hard with this discussion that's coming, that I shouldn't go to certain places, like Riyadh or different countries. I think you have to show understanding for having to make decisions that aren't in everyone's interest.

Tags
TTT
By TTThis article has been altered and translated by Sweden Herald

More news

Copied Gyökeres – now wants revenge
2 MIN READ

Copied Gyökeres – now wants revenge

After the Sweden Visit – Mbappé Dropped from the National Team
1 MIN READ

After the Sweden Visit – Mbappé Dropped from the National Team

Dream Draw for Sweden: "Teams We Can Win Against"
3 MIN READ

Dream Draw for Sweden: "Teams We Can Win Against"

Norwegian Olympic canoeist becomes World Championship swimmer
1 MIN READ

Norwegian Olympic canoeist becomes World Championship swimmer

Furious over Palestine banner at PSG match
1 MIN READ

Furious over Palestine banner at PSG match

The new venture a challenge: "I said no"
3 MIN READ

The new venture a challenge: "I said no"

Bayern Munich fan silent in the stands
1 MIN READ

Bayern Munich fan silent in the stands

Sprint star moves to Italy
1 MIN READ

Sprint star moves to Italy

Northug: Dreams of the podium in Vasaloppet
2 MIN READ

Northug: Dreams of the podium in Vasaloppet

Star Durant sank Larsson's Miami
1 MIN READ

Star Durant sank Larsson's Miami

From unknown to national team: "Cool thing"
3 MIN READ

From unknown to national team: "Cool thing"

NHL star McDavid back after injury
2 MIN READ

NHL star McDavid back after injury

After the Ridicule – Viral "Raygun" Gives Up
2 MIN READ

After the Ridicule – Viral "Raygun" Gives Up

CL success for the Swede: zero intact
2 MIN READ

CL success for the Swede: zero intact

Dark Night Start for Apelgren: "Damn, That's Awful"
2 MIN READ

Dark Night Start for Apelgren: "Damn, That's Awful"

Mings' brain fade - Club Brugge won on penalties
1 MIN READ

Mings' brain fade - Club Brugge won on penalties

No Breakthrough – Women's Crown Fell to Czech Republic
2 MIN READ

No Breakthrough – Women's Crown Fell to Czech Republic

Malmö fell in Istanbul – third defeat in Europe
2 MIN READ

Malmö fell in Istanbul – third defeat in Europe

McIlroy: Trump may be able to unite golf
1 MIN READ

McIlroy: Trump may be able to unite golf

Källberg's Giant Upset – Crushed the World Number One
2 MIN READ

Källberg's Giant Upset – Crushed the World Number One