The Swedish Olympic Committee (SOK) has submitted 14 new athletes to its Top and Talent Program as of 2017, amongst them two dressage riders, Olympians Therese Nilshagen and Juliette Ramel.
SOK has added them to the Group as the committee believes they have the talent and potential to achieve a medal in the upcoming Olympic Games with the right support. SOK will provide aid so athletes can focus 100% on achieving their goals, no matter their family background.
The SOK Top and Talent program was founded in 1998 and is sponsored by the Swedish government. It has supported jumper athletes Rolf-Göran Bengtsson, Peder Fredricson, Malin Baryard Johnsson and Frida Andersén in the past.
In 2010 Patrik Kittel was submitted to the SOK Top and Talent Group. Minna Telde and Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven have also been part of the programme.
Juliette Ramel competed her Dutch warmblood Buriel KH (by Osmium) at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro and finished 28th in the Grand Prix Special with 72.045%. The pair has not been in the show ring since then, but Ramel told Eurodressage she plans on competing Buriel again in January 2017.
When asked whether SOK is providing financial aid, Ramel explained that "in the beginning it will be practical support, from SOK's support team, such as mental and physical training."
Therese Nilshagen and the Oldenburg Dante Weltino (by Danone I) travelled to Rio on the Swedish team but had to substituted by the reserve pair on the scene as the stallion sustained a hoof injury. He is still recovering from that injury.
Photo © Astrid Appels
Related Links
Patrik Kittel Looking Forward to 2011 with New Horses and Website
What's Happening: December 2010 - Part 1