In a new Rising Above presented by Longines, Angelica Augustsson Zanotelli opens up about how she has mastered the art of balancing her passion for the sport with her dedication to her family. She talks through the challenges and triumphs of juggling a demanding equestrian career while raising a young family. The episode is a powerful exploration of what it takes to pursue excellence in two worlds—on the horse and at home.
“I’ve been in love with show jumping forever, but besides the passion of riding, I also wanted to have a big family. I knew it would be a hard ride,” Zanotelli shares at the beginning of the episode, setting the tone for a story that is both heartfelt and full of determination.
Throughout the episode, Angelica reflects on the difficulties she faced after each maternity leave, returning to the sport she loves from scratch, again and again and having to fight her way back to the top. Yet, she reveals that the biggest challenge wasn’t regaining her physical condition but rather finding the lack of time to excel in both areans of her life. “When I’m with the kids, I try to be a really good mum. Also, when I am on the horse, you want to do it 100%,” she explains, underscoring the intense focus required to succeed as both a mother and an athlete.
The episode crescendos as Zanotelli discusses the eternal struggle for balance—a challenge many can relate to. “Balance is an obstacle that is hard to overcome. Because we just have a certain amount of hours in the day. When you become a mother, you understand that it would take two lifetimes to do everything. If you always aim for everything, you will lose focus. You have to learn to concentrate on one thing at a time, and then you will see your goal more clearly,” she advises, offering wisdom drawn from her own experiences.
Zanotelli’s journey is not one she has undertaken alone. The episode shines a light on the pivotal role her husband fellow top show jumper Marlon Modolo Zanotelli and family have played in supporting her ambitions. “I could never do it on my own. My husband’s support was very important. He always encouraged me after every return, and the family helps with the children when we are riding,” she says, highlighting the teamwork that fuels her success.
As the episode builds to its emotional climax, viewers witness Zanotelli’s extraordinary performance in the arena, cheered on by her husband and three children. “Mentally, you need to learn how to switch focus. I’m more a mother than a competitor, but my goal is to win a Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix,” she declares, revealing her unwavering ambition despite the many demands on her time.
Zanotelli concludes with a powerful message that resonates far beyond the world of show jumping: “Life is like show jumping. Respect your precious time, focus your attention, and you will find the right balance between the different goals in your life.”
“I’ve been in love with show jumping forever, but besides the passion of riding, I also wanted to have a big family. I knew it would be a hard ride,” Zanotelli shares at the beginning of the episode, setting the tone for a story that is both heartfelt and full of determination.
Throughout the episode, Angelica reflects on the difficulties she faced after each maternity leave, returning to the sport she loves from scratch, again and again and having to fight her way back to the top. Yet, she reveals that the biggest challenge wasn’t regaining her physical condition but rather finding the lack of time to excel in both areans of her life. “When I’m with the kids, I try to be a really good mum. Also, when I am on the horse, you want to do it 100%,” she explains, underscoring the intense focus required to succeed as both a mother and an athlete.
The episode crescendos as Zanotelli discusses the eternal struggle for balance—a challenge many can relate to. “Balance is an obstacle that is hard to overcome. Because we just have a certain amount of hours in the day. When you become a mother, you understand that it would take two lifetimes to do everything. If you always aim for everything, you will lose focus. You have to learn to concentrate on one thing at a time, and then you will see your goal more clearly,” she advises, offering wisdom drawn from her own experiences.
Zanotelli’s journey is not one she has undertaken alone. The episode shines a light on the pivotal role her husband fellow top show jumper Marlon Modolo Zanotelli and family have played in supporting her ambitions. “I could never do it on my own. My husband’s support was very important. He always encouraged me after every return, and the family helps with the children when we are riding,” she says, highlighting the teamwork that fuels her success.
As the episode builds to its emotional climax, viewers witness Zanotelli’s extraordinary performance in the arena, cheered on by her husband and three children. “Mentally, you need to learn how to switch focus. I’m more a mother than a competitor, but my goal is to win a Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix,” she declares, revealing her unwavering ambition despite the many demands on her time.
Zanotelli concludes with a powerful message that resonates far beyond the world of show jumping: “Life is like show jumping. Respect your precious time, focus your attention, and you will find the right balance between the different goals in your life.”