Three time Olympic gold medalist and Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing winner Michael Jung will not ride in the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games. "The Terminator" made eventing history by becoming the first rider to ever hold the European, Olympic, and World championship titles at the same time.
According to a statement made on Michael's Facebook page, his WEG mount, FischerRocana FST, has sustained an injury and will not be ready in time to compete at Tryon next month.
“According to the veterinarian, it is a minor injury, but it takes time,” Michael said. “Unfortunately, this time is too short until the departure and we could not complete the last training sessions.”
The thirteen year old mare represented Germany at the 2014 FEI World Equestrian Games in Normandy, where the pair took home team gold and individual silver. Most recently, they finished second at the Land Rover Kentucky CCI4* Three-Day Event.
Michael will be replaced by powerhouse Sandra Auffarth—who edged out her fellow countryman for the individual gold at the 2014 games in Normandy—aboard Viamant du Matz.
Hats off to Michael for a wonderful display of horsemanship and well wishes to FischerRocana!
Feature photo by Kaitlyn Karssen