Swedish celebrations at San Siro

The Swedes could celebrate yet another team gold medal on Friday afternoon, as Henrik von Eckermann and Iliana (Cardento x Gentleman), Wilma Hellström and Cicci BJN (Ci Ci Senjor Ask x Tornesch), Jens Fredricson and Markan Cosmopolit (Cohiba x Calido I), as well as Rolf-Göran Bengtsson and Zuccero (VDL Zirocco Blue x Caretino) were in a league of their own at the FEI Jumping European Championship 2023 at the Ippodromo San Siro in Milan, Italy – adding nothing to their overnight tally of 9.51 as Hellström, Fredricson and Bengtsson all jumped clear rounds to discharge von Eckermann's four faults.

The Swedes are now reigning Olympic Champions, World Champions and European Champions – the last team to achieve this was Germany, that won gold at the World Championship in Rome in 1998, at the Europeans at Hickstead in 1999 and at the Olympics in Sydney in 2000.

“We came here, and there was no discussion; we came here to take the gold medal actually – that was the plan and now we are sitting here. You all know how difficult it is; having ups and downs – we are really, really super happy, the whole team," Fredricson said after the victory.

And with this, we look back at the Swedish celebrations at San Siro.

A big smile from Wilma Hellström after a clear round with her one-eyed queen Cicci BJN. Hellström was second to go on the team, and after four faults from pathfinder Henrik von Eckermann she knew a clear was needed to keep the gold within reach. And once again, this fantastic duo delivered!

Hellström's family and friends celebrating!

Big smiles on the Swedish team, especially from Cicci's groom Madde Isaksson.

Henrik von Eckermann congratulates Hellström on her clear round.

Henrik von Eckermann's wife Janika Sprunger documenting the special moments.

So much love for Cicci!

Before...

...after!

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Clear round treats for Markan Cosmopolit who jumped his third clear of the championship yesterday.

The gold was secured before the Swedish pathfinder Rolf-Göran Bengtsson had even entered the ring. It was the two poles down from Germany's Jana Wargers that handed the gold to the Swedes, who could start celebrating before the competition had even finished.

A very happy Henrik von Eckermann, who took his third team gold with Sweden at San Siro.

Angelica Augusstson, Henrik von Eckermann, Wilma Hellström and Jens Fredricson.

It was a pure demonstration of power from Swedish anchors Rolf-Göran Bengtsson and Zuccero who cruised around to a clear round, showing off how untouchable the Swedes are. This was Bengtsson's 10th European Championships.

Henrik von Eckermann congratulates Bengtsson.

Hugs and smiles all around.

Swedish team-vet Rasmus Westgren thanks Zuccero for a clear round.

Wilma Hellström celebrating.

Thumbs up from Bengtsson.

Gerfried Puck, team bronze medallist for Austria, gives Bengtsson a big hug. Below, the winning grooms: Amanda Lundblad, Louise Barraud, Carolina Bengtsson and Madde Isaksson.