Longines Global Champions Tour is proud to present the highly anticipated new free content series, Rising Above presented by Longines.

In the first emotionally charged installment, Episode 1: Bouncing Back, viewers are given an unprecedented glimpse into the life of one of the greatest German show jumpers of all time, Christian Ahlmann. The episode reveals his harrowing fall in Mexico City and his triumphant return to the pinnacle of the sport, showcasing the raw power of determination and the unbreakable spirit of a champion.

“People who have been on top for a while may think they are invincible, but life is unpredictable; anything can happen,” Ahlmann reflects in this compelling episode.

This episode of Rising Above delves deep into that defining moment, taking viewers on an emotional journey of resilience as Ahlmann shares his most vulnerable and inspiring experiences like never before.

In Bouncing Back, which is free to watch across all Longines Global Champions Tour social media channels, Christian Ahlmann opens up about the challenges he faced, both on and off the arena, and how these obstacles shaped his path to recovery and success.

The second edition of this highly anticipated series features Dutch talent Sanne Thijssen in Episode 2: Proving Them Wrong. Thijssen opens up about her rise to the top, one that many assumed was down to luck and talented horses as opposed to Thijssen’s skill and determination.

Thijssen had made a splash on the show jumping scene at a young age with her star horse Con Quidam, quickly racking up successes. But “most people thought my success was all due to luck and my amazing horse,” explains Tihjssen.

After her star horse Con Quidam got injured, Thijssen started competing other horses at the top level. As with any new paring, it took some time to find her rhythm with other horses and find success apart from Con Quidam. During this time, the naysayers were quick to ascribe her past success to simply having the privilege of riding a world-class horse, causing her to doubt herself and her skill.

“We all have times when we second guess ourselves. In those moments we have to trust our abilities and keep pushing forward.” Thijssen says.

In Proving Them Wrong, which is free to watch across all Longines Global Champions Tour social media channels, Thijssen explains that with the help of her family, she used this criticism as fuel to come back even stronger, determined to prove them wrong and show that her success was deserved.

After winning her first 5* Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix at the young age of 23, Thijssen had decisively proved that she was a force to be reckoned with and had earned her spot among the stars of the sport.

The Rising Above series, created in collaboration with Longines, celebrates world-class athletes who exemplify perseverance and excellence. Each episode delves into the personal and professional struggles and triumphs of these athletes, revealing the mindset that drives them to overcome adversity and achieve greatness.

This eight-episode series is quickly becoming a must-watch for equestrian enthusiasts and sports fans alike, offering an intimate look at the lives and careers of the top show jumpers in the world.

Episodes 1 and 2 are now available to stream on YouTube offering fans the opportunity to witness the incredible journeys of some of the sport’s most respected figures.

13 August: Bouncing Back - Christian Ahlmann

20 August:  Proving Them Wrong - Sanne Thijsen

27 August: Defying Age - John Whitaker

3 September: Finding the Balance - Angelica Zanotelli

10 September: Becoming an Insider - Edouard Schmitz

17 September: Growing Together - Katrin Eckermann

24 September: Overcoming Fears - Niels Bruynseels

For more information on the Rising Above series and to watch the latest episode, please visit here or follow Longines and the Longines Global Champions Tour on social media.

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