German dressage riders were able to claim a highly coveted top 20 spot on the short list for the Athlete of the Year 2014 awards. This is a major feat as in the past to short list was mainly reserved for soccer players and athletes of more popular sport disciplines.
The German Dressage team which won gold at the 2014 World Equestrian Games in Caen, France, were shortlisted for Team of the Year and they finished in seventh place on the points' list. The German gold medal winning WEG eventing team finished in 14th place.
WEG Special and Kur silver medal winning Helen Langehanenberg placed 14th in the Female Athlete category, which was won by ski racer Maria Höfl-Riesch.
German eventer Michael Jung placed 20th in the male category.
The fact that German equestrian athletes did so well at these awards proves the popularity of the sport in the country as well the recognition for their achievements.
Point lists: Female Athlete - Male Athlete - Teams
Photo © Astrid Appels
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