The winners of the prestigious FEI Awards were announced last night at the gala in Antwerp. Olympic champion Peder Fredericson and American paralympian Beatrice de Lavalette were among the evening's big winners.
Sweden's top rider Fredericson was able to go home with the Peden Bloodstock FEI Best Athlete Award. He can use this trophy to add to his impressive trophy cabinet of Olympic and European championship medals, as well as his number one position in the Longines World Ranking, which he secured last October for the first time in his career.
"I am really proud and grateful for the Peden Best Athlete Award. It means a lot to me, my team and all the owners," Fredericson said. "I always try to do my best and improve myself, my team and the horses instead of trying to beat someone else. We all work very hard to keep the horses fit and healthy, to achieve these goals and win many medals along the way. I am also very grateful to my horse owners. They always stand by me and provide me with a series of good horses. Thank you so much!"
Rising Star Award to Germany
Greta Busacker, the 19-year-old German eventer, took home the Longines FEI Rising Star Award this year. The young rider won the gold individually and in team at this year's European Championships for Young Riders. This Award appears to run in the family. Her mother, Ingrid Klimke was already allowed to receive the Peden Bloodstock FEI Best Athlete Award in 2019 and 2020. "Words cannot describe how honored I feel, because there are so many young talented riders. They work as hard as I do and I get to stand here," Busacker said.
Marie Johansson wins Best Groom Award
Marie Johansson accepted the Cavalor FEI Best Groom Award. With this she received recognition for her hard work and dedication in caring for the horses of dressage talent Patrik Kittel. Patrik and his wife Lyndal Oatley were present at the gale to celebrate Marie Johansson's victory. "It's great that we grooms can also be part of this gala. I am super happy and proud," said Johansson.
Against All Odds Award to Beatrice de Lavalette
Beatrice de Lavalette, who lost both legs in the terrorist attack at Zaventem airport in Brussels in March 2016 won the Against All Odds Award. Beatrice made first Paralympic debut this year in Tokyo in Para Dressage. "It makes me realize that everything I've done these five years has been seen and people have realized how big it really is," Beatrice said.
China's Equulus Charity honored in awards
The 2021 FEI Solidarity Award went to China's Equulus Charity. The charity supports young, underprivileged students to achieve their equestrian dream while successfully completing their academic studies.
Winners 2020 honored
The winners of last year's FEI Awards were also highlighted last night. The 2020 event was cancelled due to the pandemic. Last year's winners were Ingrid Klimke, Semmieke Rothenberger, Carmen Thiemann, Angelika Trabert and Ebony Horse Club. FEI President Ingmar De Vos: "This is the first time since 2019 that we can honor the stars of our sport in person."
Special Edition
"This edition of the FEI Awards is special to me, not only because it is held in a city close to my hometown in Belgium, but also because it is the 100th anniversary year of the FEI. These Awards and the high caliber of the nominees each year, remain a testament to the growth in our sport and gives us great hope for the future," said President Ingmar de Vos.
Source: FEI