The German Equestrian Federation has announced that, very sadly, former German chef d’equipe and top rider Sönke Sönksen has passed away at the age of 86. 

Sönksen won team silver at the Olympic Games in Montreal in 1976, as well as team gold and individual bronze at the European Championships in Munich in 1975. In total, Sönke Sönksen represented the German colours in 25 Nations Cups.

In 1992, after completing his active career as a rider at top level, Sönksen accepted a coaching position with the German Olympic Equestrian Committee (DOKR) alongside national coach Herbert Meyer. Up until 2001, he was assigned as chef d’equipe in approximately fifty Nations Cups. For more than twenty years he was also responsible for the smooth running of the jumping competitions at the Bundeschampionat in Warendorf.

In 2015, the German Equestrian Federation awarded Sönksen the German Equestrian Cross in gold – one of many honours bestowed upon him in recognition of his services to equestrian sports.

At World of Showjumping, we extend our sincere condolences to all those close to Sönksen.