Q&A with Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann

You return to GCL competition in Shanghai. How are you feeling about it?
“I’m really looking forward to it. Normally, I would have already been part of the team in Doha, but since that event was cancelled, this will be my first GCL appearance of the year.”

This is your third consecutive season with the same team. What does that continuity mean to you?
“I’m very happy to have been part of the team from the beginning. Over the past two years, we’ve shared many great moments, and it really feels like a close-knit group. During that time, many of the riders have developed strongly, and it’s been special to be part of that journey.”

What do you see as the team’s main strengths heading into Shanghai?
“I think one of our biggest strengths is the trust we have in each other and in our horses. That connection and mutual confidence are essential in a competition like the GCL, where teamwork and consistency make the difference.”

The team is part of a broader initiative supporting female athletes. How do you view that?
“The idea is to support women in a mixed-gender sporting environment. We also feel a responsibility to carry that message forward and to act as role models. At the same time, we want to be recognised as a competitive team based on our performances.”

What are your expectations for Shanghai?
“Our main focus is to secure points for the team, but of course I’m also aiming for a strong individual result in the Grand Prix.”