Most national Olympic committees or states reward their medalists with generous bonuses. Not the Swedish one. The Swedish Olympic Committee chooses, roughly simplified, to spend the money on supporting the Olympic athletes on their way to the Olympic Games.
Neither does the International Equestrian Federation pay out prize money, unlike World Athletics, which from Paris onwards rewards the athletes with approximately half a million kronor for an individual Olympic gold medal.
Today's Olympic final in show jumping (10.00) is on par with any major competition. The winner usually receives around one million kronor.
Skipped Competitions
This year, Henrik von Eckermann has skipped several competitions to give King Edward the best possible conditions ahead of the Olympic Games.
It has a price.
If I had only ridden to earn money, I wouldn't have ridden the Olympic Games but chosen four, five competitions this year on my horse. Now, it needs both rest and buildup ahead of the Olympic Games and rest again after the Olympic Games.
It costs to be at the top. The world number one must earn substantial sums to run their operation.
I love riding for my country. Every time I put on the jacket, I'm proud and I don't think about anything else. Another part of me sees the costs. What comes in and what goes out every month. I see what the difference is between a championship year and a year without championships.
Honor is Important
It's something you can't ignore. My heart beats more for the championships. I'm not complaining, but I have to have that eye. This year, I'm doing a few Global Champions Tour, but not as many as last year. It's just a matter of counting plus and minus to see the difference.
Do you think prize money should be introduced in the Olympic Games?
For me, it's important that it's about honor. I don't give a damn about the money when I go to Paris. I don't want to talk about money at all when I compete. I've never once gone into a class thinking I'm going to win money.
But to be able to aim for the Olympic Games, I have to earn money. That's why it's so hard with this discussion that's coming, that I shouldn't go to certain places, like Riyadh or different countries. I think you have to show understanding for having to make decisions that aren't in everyone's interest.
