Jessica von Bredow-Werndl, a German equestrian, solidified her position as the queen of dressage by successfully defending her Olympic title in the individual dressage competition at the Paris Games. In a breathtaking display of athleticism and artistry, von Bredow-Werndl and her 17-year-old mare Dalera captivated the audience with their synchronized movements, soaring passage trots, and rhythmic flying changes, all executed to a medley of Edith Piaf’s timeless hits. Their masterful performance earned them an overall score of 90.09%, securing a place on the highest step of the podium.
This victory marked a stunning repeat of the results from the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, where von Bredow-Werndl also reigned supreme. In a close second, her compatriot and fellow dressage legend, Isabell Werth, once again claimed the silver medal with her 10-year-old mare Wendy, securing a score of 89.61%. Britain’s Charlotte Fry rounded out the podium, claiming the bronze medal.
Since her Olympic debut in Tokyo, von Bredow-Werndl, at 38 years old, has proven to be an unstoppable force in the dressage arena. She has now won all four Olympic dressage contests she has participated in, including two individual titles and two team gold medals. This remarkable achievement underscores Germany’s undeniable dominance in this discipline.
The German team, led by von Bredow-Werndl and Werth, also secured a razor-thin team victory over Denmark and Britain earlier in the competition. While Dinja van Liere, riding Hermes, finished fourth, Denmark’s Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour, who had initially been considered a strong contender after topping the qualification and team events, ultimately finished in fifth place.
von Bredow-Werndl’s performance in Paris serves as a testament to her exceptional talent and unwavering dedication to the sport of dressage. With her captivating performances and impressive victories, she continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world, solidifying her status as one of the greatest dressage riders of our time.
