It's almost four months since that morning on August 6 in Versailles.
The riding star, world number one and favorite rides into the individual Olympic Games final on King Edward. If everything goes according to plan, what's coming up soon could be his greatest moment.
He has entered his competitive bubble, but hasn't managed to free himself enough from the tension that has taken hold of him during the night and morning.
A misunderstanding ruins everything he has strived for in an instant. He is thrown out of the saddle, King Edward runs loose on the track. Despite the disappointment, his first instinct is to think of the horse.
A wave of sympathy and admiration washes over him, not least on social media.
It still surprises him.
It's strange that it became such a reaction, but maybe it's something we need to show a bit more. Every day, we work on how the horse is doing. There's no difference just because you're on the track.
Do more, talk less
For me, it's a given. I hope that many who are into this think the same way. It's not about making an Instagram post about how much I love my horse, it's about what you do, not what you say. In our time, I think you should do a bit more and talk a bit less, he says sharply.
With distance, what did you learn from the Olympic Games final?
That you probably won't get any lower in disappointment in sports. I felt that I can handle it too. It's never wrong to lose, but it's important that you get back up again, and I feel that I've done that even more. It spurs me on to become even better and I want revenge.
Even though I'm disappointed, I'm the first one to put on the gloves again and come back.
Seeking perfection
Henrik von Eckermann has been ranked world number one for 28 months. He explains his drive by saying that he is never satisfied.
You're always seeking perfection, but I'll probably never find it. I still feel that I don't ride like Marcus Ehning or Steve Guerdat. Even though I'm number one, I can feel "damn, why don't I ride like they do".
The day I feel finished, I can stop and do it with a clear conscience. But that day is not now.
Born: May 25, 1981.
Lives: Kessel, Netherlands.
Family: Wife Janika Sprunger and son Noah.
Horses: King Edward, Iliana, Calizi, Glamour Girl, Minute Man, Cadjanine.
Riding in Sweden's international horse show Thursday to Sunday: Calizi in the smaller classes, Iliana in, among other things, Sunday's grand prix.
Main merits: Olympic Games gold team 2021, World Championship gold individual 2022, World Championship gold team 2022, World Championship silver team 2018, European Championship gold team 2023, European Championship silver team 2017, European Championship bronze team 2013, World Cup final victory 2023 and 2024, World Cup bronze 2017 and 2018.
Other: Winner of Svenska Dagbladet's bragdguld, winner of Jerringpriset.
World ranking: One (since August 2022).
Current: Named rider of the year at Wednesday evening's riding gala. Also received the award for best performance for the victory in the World Cup final. King Edward was named horse of the year. Competing these days in Strawberry arena. It's the first time he's competing in Sweden since last summer.
