The trio Henrik von Eckermann, Peder Fredricson, and Rolf-Göran Bengtsson were not close to a medal in Versailles last summer, neither individually nor in the team. A tough setback since the team traveled to France as a clear medal candidate as reigning Olympic champions.
Only von Eckermann reached the individual final, but his gold dream ended in a fall from King Edward.
Soon, the last major sporting competition of the year awaits the show jumping team. The final of the League of Nations will be decided in Barcelona on Sunday, October 6.
Landeblad in the team
National team captain Henrik Ankarcrona has selected the OS trio, who will ride the same horses as in Versailles. OS reserve Malin Baryard Johnsson is also part of the team, as well as future promise Amanda Landeblad.
The riders who will compete will be decided on site.
"We have put together the strongest team we have and will do everything we can to make our mark on something big this year," says Ankarcrona to the equestrian federation's website.
And continues:
"This is the first final in the new league's history. Qualifying for it was, alongside the Olympic Games, one of the year's major goals. I expect extremely tough competition. There are probably many who would like to be the first to put their name on the trophy."
One of eight teams
Sweden is one of eight nations that have qualified for the final, which will be decided over two rounds of 1.60-meter jumping. Four teams will start in the first round (the three best will count) and three teams in the second round.
The winning nation is directly qualified for next year's edition of the League of Nations.
Sweden's team: Henrik von Eckermann/King Edward, Malin Baryard Johnsson/Indiana, Peder Fredricson/Catch Me Not, Rolf-Göran Bengtsson/Zuccero, Amanda Landeblad/For Killy.
