"2024 was everything, but 2025 seems like it will be just that little bit more," said the 35-year-old rider. "I am incredibly grateful for all of this and can't wait to welcome our daughter."

Christian and the striking 15-year-old Comme Il Faut gelding Checker 47 delivered the performance of their lives in a three-way jump-off with Steve Guerdat and Dynamix De Belheme, and Maikel van der Vleuten and Beauville Z. Christian, who was the first to go, produced the only clear round, becoming the first German showjumper to win individual Olympic gold since Ulrich Kirchhoff in 1996. Steve won silver, and Maikel took bronze.