CHIO Aachen CAMPUS: 4-time Olympic Champion. An incredible achievement. What goes through your mind when you think about it?

Jessica von Bredow-Werndl: To be honest, it hasn't really sunk in yet. One word that keeps coming to mind over the past few days: overwhelming. This whole experience in Paris, this incredible atmosphere in the palace gardens of Versailles and then, of course, this outstanding result. I was overcome with emotion on more than one occasion. To experience all of this together with such a wonderful horse like Dalera fills me with so much gratitude.

CHIO Aachen CAMPUS: Can you still describe this 17-year-old mare in words?

Jessica von Bredow-Werndl: What we have experienced together over the past nine years is simply incredible. We have been a team since 2015 and have been riding together at the top level for seven years. Dalera and I were unbeaten for three years. That's just amazing. But she is much more than just my sport partner. The time I get to spend with her never feels normal and I'm grateful for every day. There is a famous quote attributed to Winston Churchill: “No hour of life is wasted that is spent in the saddle.” That applies to me with Dalera. Every hour I spend with her is a gift. Our relationship is like that of two best friends. We are a well-rehearsed team. And when she has the mischief in her neck again and makes fun of me while riding in the forest, I can feel her irrepressible joy of life.

CHIO Aachen CAMPUS: How did you experience the Olympic Games in Paris compared to your first Gold Games in Tokyo?

Jessica von Bredow-Werndl: First of all, the atmosphere was simply breathtaking. The scenery in the Palace Gardens of Versailles was iconic, the mood of the spectators indescribable. In addition, my whole family was able to be there this time, which was not possible in Tokyo in 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic. It was quite challenging to juggle sport and family time, but the hours with our children helped me to calm down during the competition days. Compared to the previous Olympic Games, the pressure was somehow even greater, including the pressure I put on myself, of course. Winning gold again in the singles is unbelievable. But the team competition was actually more emotionally exhausting. Knowing that you're not just competing for yourself, but for Germany, is a whole different level. The fact that it was also enough for gold in the team in the end is of course fantastic.

CHIO Aachen CAMPUS: After Paris is before Aachen. On September 21st, you will be coming to the Soers with your brother Benjamin to give a live training session at the CHIO Aachen CAMPUS. For the first time in Germany outside of Aubenhausen. How much are you looking forward to it?

Jessica von Bredow-Werndl: Huge! Aachen is always a very special place for both of us and a place that makes dreams come true. Before I thought about Olympic gold, it was always clear to me that I wanted to ride in Aachen one day. Benjamin and I made our debut at the CHIO Aachen in the same year and came last and second last (laughs). It wasn't the best premiere, but since then this place has stayed with us. To go back there now and hold a live training session in front of so many equestrian enthusiasts will be really big.

CHIO Aachen CAMPUS: What can the visitors look forward to on September 21st?

Jessica von Bredow-Werndl: Authenticity. Enjoyment on and with the horse. Lots of useful tips for daily training at home. As siblings and training partners, we naturally have a special bond and we want to show this to the public. The live training in Aachen will be the first time for us in this form. We are still working on the ideal program, but of course we want to react spontaneously to what we experience in the Deutsche Bank Stadium. We are looking forward to it!

All information about the live training of Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and Benjamin Werndl as well as ticket sales can be found here.