Abu Dhabi, The United Arab Emirates – November 13, 2024 – Saadiyat Island truly became the ‘Island of Happiness’ on Wednesday evening as the Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas welcomed the equestrian world’s finest for the 2024 FEI Awards Gala presented by Longines.
Peden Bloodstock FEI Best Athlete Award
The second award of the night went to Olympic Jumping champion Christian Kukuk (GER), who received the Peden Bloodstock FEI Best Athlete Award from the sponsor’s Managing Director, Martin Atock.
Coming from a family with a deep connection to the equestrian world, Christian was more into playing football than riding growing up. While that changed, the two pursuits crossed over somewhat in 2024 when Christian rode his horse Checker 47 – co-owned by Bayern Munich footballer Thomas Müller – to Individual Jumping gold at the Olympic Games in Paris.
“It is a big honour for me to win this award,” Christian said. “To be called the best athlete in 2024 is incredible. This achievement is the result of a team effort. While I stand in the first row, there are many people behind me.”
Christian, known for his meticulous care and sensitivity towards his horses, also paid tribute to his equine partner, Checker.
“I have known Checker for four years, and during that time, we have built a strong connection. It takes a lot of work, just as it does in human relationships,” Christian explained.
“We have shared both success and disappointment. Our bond is built on trust—he needs to trust me, and I need to trust him—and that trust led to a gold medal in Paris. It meant everything to have my family and friends there with me. Our sport is about emotions, and it’s sad if you can’t share these moments with those closest to you.”
This year’s winners were decided again by combining 50 percent of the public votes cast on FEI.org, and 50 percent of the judges’ votes. National Federations, FEI partners and stakeholders attended the FEI Awards Gala presented by Longines, with equestrian commentator Steven Wilde (GBR) as Master of Ceremonies.
FEI President Ingmar De Vos said, “It has been a fantastic year for our dear athletes and horses, with many of them competing at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and these prestigious awards are always a great celebration for the FEI Family.
“Our worthy winners serve as a true inspiration to the future generation of equestrians in terms of their equine excellence, and strong ethics and values that underline the importance of equine welfare.
“I want to thank all our winners, the nominees, and the tens of thousands of equestrian fans who voted for the awards. I also want to thank our valued sponsors, Peden Bloodstock, Cavalor, and, especially, our Top Partner Longines, who once again brought their renowned style and grace to this wonderful Gala evening. We complement each other perfectly, and I look forward to many more years of partnership.”
Source: Press Release (edited) from the FEI – Fédération Équestre Internationale
Photos: © FEI / Liz Gregg
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Categories: Awards, English, Jumper News Deutschland
