The eventer, Michael Jung, achieved an historical feat at the Olympic Games in Paris with his Chipmunk. He is the first rider ever, who has won three Olympic gold medals in the individual classification of eventing – 2012 in London, 2016 in Rio and 2024 in Paris. In the interview, he looked back on emotional days and revealed his plans for the FEI World Championships Aachen 2026. Because after the Olympics is before the World Championships.

Michael Jung, Congratulations on winning your third individual medal at the Olympic Games! What was your time in Paris like?

Michael Jung: They were very exciting days and it was like an emotional rollercoaster. The dressage went very well for us and we got off to a good start in the cross. And then Chrissi was eliminated (Christoph Wahler, editor’s note), which knocked us all for six, of course. And then Chipmunk and I had such a fantastic round that we were still on course for an individual medal. The last to go in the jumping, I was overjoyed when everything ran smoothly. It is also simply tremendous for the whole team, who all worked so hard.

Have you already realised that you have achieved an historical feat?

Jung: No, I haven’t quite taken it all in yet. It has been so hectic and busy since – and of course all the media attention, that was crazy. I won’t actually take it in properly until I have had a bit of time and can start talking about it in quiet.

What impressed you most about the Olympic Games in Paris?

Jung: Everything was perfect for the horses. The stables, the warm-up areas, the wash stalls, the competition rings – the conditions were super everywhere. And the ambiance in Versailles was simply magical, on top of that the super atmosphere in the castle gardens with the huge crowds. One can hardly describe it, it was incredible. I won’t forget the Opening Ceremony either. It was awesome that the equestrian sport played such a major role in it. That really touched me and it was a great feeling, because we are otherwise considered to be more of a niche sport.

What is your next major goal?

Jung: Definitely the World Championships in Aachen! That is going to be a huge highlight, I am sure. The next Olympic Games are also on my to-do list, of course. Chipmunk is now 16, so we are already always thinking about which horse could be our next superstar (laughs). At the yard people are always joking about who it could be. I really enjoy training young horses and I hope that I will also have a top horse again for the future.

What are your feelings about the FEI World Championships Aachen 2026 and what are your expectations for the event?

Jung: The crème de la crème of every discipline always meets up in Aachen. That is what I am expecting to happen at the World Championships too. It is great that six disciplines are being staged there in one location, that is the best thing about it for me. It is going to be mega in one’s own country – with countless people, a fantastic crowd and a wonderful atmosphere.

Look forward to being there too and to feeling the tingle of this special atmosphere that can only be experienced in Aachen. Secure your tickets now for the FEI World Championships Aachen 2026 here, from the hotline on +49(0)241-9171111 or from the offices of the Aachen-Laurensberger-Rennverein.

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