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:

» Published:

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

Armand Duplantis Earns Big with World Championship Gold and Record

Armand Duplantis Earns Big with World Championship Gold and Record

Duplantis' Secret to Success: Special Spiked Shoes Boost Performance

Duplantis' Secret to Success: Special Spiked Shoes Boost Performance

Tom Brady Returns to Play Flag Football in Saudi Arabia 2026

Tom Brady Returns to Play Flag Football in Saudi Arabia 2026

Duplantis Celebrated Globally for Historic Pole Vault Achievement

Duplantis Celebrated Globally for Historic Pole Vault Achievement

Leidhammar's Goal Leads Norrköping to Victory Over Djurgården

Leidhammar's Goal Leads Norrköping to Victory Over Djurgården

Heintz Leads Göteborg to 2-1 Victory Over Häcken Despite Criticism

Heintz Leads Göteborg to 2-1 Victory Over Häcken Despite Criticism

16-Year-Old Kevin Filling Secures AIK's Victory in Stockholm Derby

16-Year-Old Kevin Filling Secures AIK's Victory in Stockholm Derby

Italian Skier Matteo Franzoso Dies After Training Crash

Italian Skier Matteo Franzoso Dies After Training Crash

NHL Legend Ed Giacomin Passes Away at 86

NHL Legend Ed Giacomin Passes Away at 86

Duplantis Sets World Record and Wins Gold at Tokyo Championships

Duplantis Sets World Record and Wins Gold at Tokyo Championships

Duplantis Wins Twelve Gold Medals from Berlin to Tokyo

Duplantis Wins Twelve Gold Medals from Berlin to Tokyo

Sam Kendricks Praises Armand Duplantis' Pole Vault Record

Sam Kendricks Praises Armand Duplantis' Pole Vault Record

Armand Duplantis Sets 14th Pole Vault World Record

Armand Duplantis Sets 14th Pole Vault World Record

El Bakkali Loses World Championship Gold in Final Meters

El Bakkali Loses World Championship Gold in Final Meters

Swedes in Top Teams as Men's Champions League Kicks Off

Swedes in Top Teams as Men's Champions League Kicks Off

Pihlström Advances to 1,500m Final at World Championship in Tokyo

Pihlström Advances to 1,500m Final at World Championship in Tokyo

Armand Duplantis Wins Third World Championship Gold with New Record

Armand Duplantis Wins Third World Championship Gold with New Record

Thobias Montler Advances to World Championship Final Seeking Redemption

Thobias Montler Advances to World Championship Final Seeking Redemption

Pro-Palestinian Protests Disrupt Tour of Spain Cycling Race

Pro-Palestinian Protests Disrupt Tour of Spain Cycling Race

Edlund Sets Personal Best to Reach World Championship Semifinal

Edlund Sets Personal Best to Reach World Championship Semifinal