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Christian Kukuk wins at FEI Awards 2024

FEI Awards 2024 Winners: Christian Kukuk

22 November 2024

The German has enjoyed a phenomenal last few months...

Christian Kukuk secured his place among Jumping’s greats when he followed up on his Olympic gold by winning the Peden Bloodstock FEI Best Athlete prize at the 2024 FEI Awards. 

 

Germany’s Kukuk soared to Individual Jumping victory at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games (FRA) with the brilliant Checker 47. Just a few weeks later he was celebrating again after helping his country to glory in the first-ever Longines League of Nations™ Final in Barcelona (ESP).

 

Kukuk, 34, added to his winning streak when he received the Peden Bloodstock FEI Best Athlete Award from the sponsor’s Managing Director, Martin Atock (pictured below) at last week’s 2024 FEI Awards Gala presented by Longines.

 

“It is a big honour for me to win this award,” Kukuk said. “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.”

Previous winners

Kukuk was selected as the winner of the award ahead of fellow shortlisted nominees Great Britain’s Laura Collett, France’s Théo Gardies, and The Netherlands’ Bram Chardon. Past winners of the Best Athlete award include fellow Germans Jessica von Bredow-Wendl, Isabell Werth, Ingrid Klimke and Michael Jung.

 

Coming from a family with a deep connection to the equestrian world, Kukuk was more into playing football than riding growing up. While that changed, the two pursuits crossed over somewhat in 2024 when Kukuk rode Checker 47 – co-owned by Bayern Munich footballer Thomas Müller – to glory in Paris and Barcelona.

 

 

Kukuk, known for his meticulous care and sensitivity towards his horses, paid tribute to Checker as he collected his award.

 

“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,” Kukuk 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.”

 

Subscribe to the FEI’s YouTube channel for more great athlete interviews, live action, and features that reflect the rich diversity of the equestrian world…

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