The Swedish show jumping team won the gold in Tokyo.
A medal that will be defended in the Paris Olympics – by the same riders.
They know each other inside and out, says team captain Henrik Ankarcrona.
Henrik von Eckermann on King Edward, Peder Fredricson on All In, Malin Baryard Johnsson on Indiana and reserve Rolf-Göran Bengtsson on Ermindo. These were the riders and horses that ensured the show jumping team won Olympic gold in Tokyo.
Now the same quartet of riders gets the opportunity to defend the medal in the Paris Olympics. The only difference is that Fredricson rides Catch Me Not and Bengtsson rides Zuccero.
It's an individual sport, everyone performs at their best when they're in their bubble. Still, there's something special about coming together as a team, says team captain Henrik Ankarcrona.
There's something special when these four interact. There's a calm and harmony when they gather.
Peder Fredricson about the team:
Good team spirit, good routines. We set high goals. We have a good base to fall back on. Basically, we just need to do what we do and do it as well as we can.
The team will consist of three riders and one reserve. Who gets the chance to ride in the team will be clear closer to the competition.
"Know how I think"
Ankarcrona has communicated to the riders what's at stake but is waiting until the last minute to make the team official. By July 8, he must register three plus one, but that's mostly a formality.
Up until two hours before the first horse inspection in Versailles, he can make changes to the team.
I have my ideas and the riders know how I think and what my basic idea is. For me, it's important to know that all four are ready to do what Rolf-Göran did in Tokyo. If they're not, they wouldn't have been allowed to go.
Say we're facing the team final and a horse isn't feeling well. Or a rider. Then I want a team that can go into a final with the knowledge that there's no room for mistakes. Everyone says we're a team and are ready to take on the role of reserve. Then no one wants it, says the team captain.
It was tough to leave out Wilma Hellström, who made her championship debut last year and contributed to the European Championship gold.
"Done everything right"
It's actually the experience that the others possess. On the one hand, it was an easy decision, on the other, I had a hard time with it. My heart says that Wilma has done everything right, yet she's just outside.
It's clear that it's tough, and I have enormous respect for that. But mentally, she should continue her journey towards Paris in case something happens to the others.
Dressage team captain Bo Jenå selected two riders – Patrik Kittel and Therese Nilshagen – and will complete the selection with two riders after the competitions in Aachen, which will be presented on July 8.
The eventing Olympic team: Frida Andersén on Box Leo, Louise Romeike on Caspian, and Sofia Sjöborg on Bryjamolga. Reserve will be Malin Asai on Golden Midnight.
Location: Versailles Palace
Eventing:
July 27: Dressage, individual and team
July 28: Cross-country, individual and team
July 29: Jumping, individual and team. Medals will be awarded in team and individual
Dressage:
July 30: Team competition and individual qualification
July 31: Team competition and individual qualification
August 3: Team final. Medals will be awarded
August 4: Individual final. Medals will be awarded
Jumping:
August 1: Team competition, qualification
August 2: Team competition, final. Medals will be awarded
August 5: Individual, qualification
August 6: Individual, final. Medals will be awarded
