Award winners Richard Frankle for the Namibian Equestrian Federation, Christian Kukuk, Bettina Cardinael and Omar Abdul Aziz Al Marzooqi. Photo © FEI/Liz Gregg.
The 2024 FEI Awards Gala presented by Longines in Abu Dhabi, UAE, became a night to remember for the host nation's own Omar Abdul Aziz Al Marzooqi who claimed this year’s Longines FEI Rising Star Award, as well as for Germany's Christian Kukuk who received the Peden Bloodstock FEI Best Athlete Award.
The 21-year-old Omar Abdul Aziz Al Marzooqi, who was the flag carrier for the UAE at the Olympic Games, stood out in Paris for being the youngest athlete in equestrian sports and for qualifying for the individual final – ultimately finishing in the Top 20 in his Olympic debut riding the 10-year-old Enjoy de la Mure (Vigo Cece x Sable Rose).
“I feel so proud to win the Longines FEI Rising Star Award, especially as it is the first time someone from UAE has received it,” said Omar in a press release from the FEI. ''I had an exceptional experience in Paris. I participated in the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, which was memorable, but Paris was completely different. I was competing with riders I have looked up to for years. I got my horse Enjoy de la Mure just 10 months before Paris which was not ideal. However, I developed a strong bond with him. He is an exceptional horse and jumps so incredibly well, and he was in great form heading into the Olympic Games in Paris. He has already experienced one Olympics, which is an amazing achievement, and he still has much to offer – the future is bright for him. I hope we can compete together at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles, and I will be there every step of the way to help make that dream a reality.”
2024 Olympic Champion Christian Kukuk was the winner of the Peden Bloodstock FEI Best Athlete Award. Kukuk rode the 14-year-old gelding Checker 47 (Comme Il Faut x Come On) to individual jumping gold at the Olympic Games in Paris.
“It is a big honour for me to win this award,” Christian said in the FEI press release. “To be called the best athlete in 2024 is incredible. This achievement is the result of a team effort. While I stand in the first row, there are many people behind me.”
Christian also paid tribute to his equine partner, Checker. “I have known Checker for four years, and during that time, we have built a strong connection. It takes a lot of work, just as it does in human relationships,” Christian explained. “We have shared both success and disappointment. Our bond is built on trust – he needs to trust me, and I need to trust him – and that trust led to a gold medal in Paris. It meant everything to have my family and friends there with me. Our sport is about emotions, and it’s sad if you can’t share these moments with those closest to you.”
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