Tokyo Olympic Heroes to Compete in Versailles?

Henrik von Eckermann, Peder Fredricson and Malin Baryard Johnsson won the Olympic team gold in Tokyo. With Rolf-Göran Bengtsson as reserve. Much suggests that the same quartet will stable their horses in Versailles later this summer.

» Updated: July 16 2024

» Published: June 18 2024

Tokyo Olympic Heroes to Compete in Versailles?
Photo: Pontus Lundahl/TT

Share this article

Henrik von Eckermann, Peder Fredricson and Malin Baryard Johnsson won the Olympic gold medal in Tokyo.

With Rolf-Göran Bengtsson as reserve.

Much suggests that the same quartet will stable their horses in Versailles later in the summer.

The deadline for team captain Henrik Ankarcrona to register the Olympic team is 8 July.

The plan is to announce the three riders plus one reserve who will get the chance to defend the gold medal from 2021 on 30 June.

The riders will be presented in connection with the GCT competitions at Stockholm Stadium.

The only chance to match a potential Olympic team is at the Nations Cup team competition on Midsummer Eve in Rotterdam. Ankarcrona is on site with the same quartet he travelled with to Tokyo.

The team captain does not want to anticipate events, but when asked how important the Nations Cup competition in Rotterdam is for his Olympic selection, he replies:

Absolutely a lot, since it's not just a competition, it's a long-term plan. I think it's part of our successes in recent years. We never narrow it down to "if you don't succeed here, you're not relevant". Then I think you peak too early to come with.

"I have an idea"

But the closer you get, the less time there is for mishaps, if you put it that way.

Have you decided which three riders you want in the Olympics?

It's clear that I have an idea, which I've had for a long time. Then I've adjusted it a bit. The important thing is that everyone who has the capacity and opportunity to make an effort gets the support they want.

Should I lock in three pairs and something happens, I don't want to be helpless.

And something happened.

Jens Fredricson, part of the gold teams in 2022 (World Championship) and 2023 (European Championship), was recently forced to abandon his Olympic bid due to Markan Cosmopolit's injury.

He was absolutely a name in my various constellations, considering his strong contributions to our recent successes. It's very sad for Jens and his team, says Ankarcrona.

Rehearsal also for dressage

Early next week, Ankarcrona will present his "long list" of Olympic-eligible riders. Wilma Hellström and Petronella Andersson are also on it.

In parallel with the Nations Cup competition, a top Swedish dressage team will ride their Olympic rehearsal in the Nations Cup, also in Rotterdam.

Team captain Bo Jenå is matching the best he has in the form of Patrik Kittel, Therese Nilshagen, Juliette Ramel and Maria von Essen.

Just like Ankarcrona, Jenå will present his Olympic team shortly. The same applies to colleague Fredrik Bergendorff in eventing, the third equestrian discipline with Swedish representation in Versailles outside Paris.

Around the turn of the month, June/July, show jumping and dressage will finalise their Olympic teams.

The five-star competitions in Rotterdam this week will have decisive importance for team captains Henrik Ankarcrona (show jumping) and Bo Jenå (dressage).

Here are some of the competitions to keep an eye on:

Show jumping:

Friday 21 June: Nations Cup team competition. Decided over two rounds (16.00 and 19.00).

Sunday 23 June: Individual GP show jumping (14.30).

Dressage:

Thursday 20 June: Nations Cup team competition (09.35).

Saturday 22 June: Individual GP Special (15.30) and GP Freestyle (18.40).

Tags

Author

TTT
By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers

More news

Yasin Ayari Shines Despite Sweden's Draw Against Slovenia
1 MIN READ

Yasin Ayari Shines Despite Sweden's Draw Against Slovenia

Carlos Alcaraz Reaches Third Straight Grand Slam Final
1 MIN READ

Carlos Alcaraz Reaches Third Straight Grand Slam Final

No Playing Time for Isak in World Cup Qualifier Due to High Risk
1 MIN READ

No Playing Time for Isak in World Cup Qualifier Due to High Risk

Switzerland Dominates Kosovo 4-0 in World Championship Qualifier
1 MIN READ

Switzerland Dominates Kosovo 4-0 in World Championship Qualifier

Frölunda Wins SDHL Season Opener Against Luleå 2-1
1 MIN READ

Frölunda Wins SDHL Season Opener Against Luleå 2-1

Sweden Draws 2-2 with Slovenia After Last-Minute Equalizer
3 MIN READ

Sweden Draws 2-2 with Slovenia After Last-Minute Equalizer

17-Year-Old Lea Nilsson Reaches US Open Junior Final
1 MIN READ

17-Year-Old Lea Nilsson Reaches US Open Junior Final

Football Manager Highlights Financial Boost from World Championship Qualification
1 MIN READ

Football Manager Highlights Financial Boost from World Championship Qualification

Sweden U21 Triumphs 3-0 Over Armenia in Euro 2027 Qualifier
1 MIN READ

Sweden U21 Triumphs 3-0 Over Armenia in Euro 2027 Qualifier

Lagergren Leads European Tour After Stunning 62 at The K Club
1 MIN READ

Lagergren Leads European Tour After Stunning 62 at The K Club

Kulusevski Aims for Return in 2-3 Months After Knee Surgery
1 MIN READ

Kulusevski Aims for Return in 2-3 Months After Knee Surgery

Alexander Isak Benched for World Championship Qualifier Against Slovenia
2 MIN READ

Alexander Isak Benched for World Championship Qualifier Against Slovenia

Lotta Schelin Joins Fifa Group to Combat Racism in Football
1 MIN READ

Lotta Schelin Joins Fifa Group to Combat Racism in Football

World Championship Dream Drives Footballers Elanga and Ayari
2 MIN READ

World Championship Dream Drives Footballers Elanga and Ayari

Spanish Minister Supports Potential Ban of Israel Premier Tech from Tour of Spain
2 MIN READ

Spanish Minister Supports Potential Ban of Israel Premier Tech from Tour of Spain

Elanga Comments on Isak's Liverpool Move: "It's His Choice"
2 MIN READ

Elanga Comments on Isak's Liverpool Move: "It's His Choice"

Malmö FF Nears Unexpected SM Gold in Women's Top Division
3 MIN READ

Malmö FF Nears Unexpected SM Gold in Women's Top Division

Amo HK Urges Uppvidinge for Arena Renovation to Stay in Elite League
1 MIN READ

Amo HK Urges Uppvidinge for Arena Renovation to Stay in Elite League

Skellefteå Faces Goalkeeper Crisis as Linus Söderström Out Until Year-End
2 MIN READ

Skellefteå Faces Goalkeeper Crisis as Linus Söderström Out Until Year-End

Man Sentenced to Prison for Pushing Person onto Stockholm Subway Track
1 MIN READ

Man Sentenced to Prison for Pushing Person onto Stockholm Subway Track