Sweden's Equestrian Team Heads to European Championships with New Faces

Sweden is heading to the European Equestrian Championships as the reigning champions. However, the team will look quite different from the one that clinched gold two years ago.

Two years ago, Henrik von Eckermann, Wilma Hellström, Jens Fredricson, and Rolf-Göran Bengtsson won the European gold in Milan.

On Thursday, head coach Henrik Ankarcrona announced this year's team.

The Swedish colors will be represented by Petronella Andersson, Wilma Hellström, Amanda Landeblad, Erika Lickhammer van Helmond, and Angelie von Essen.

– My strategy and goal have always been to build a broader top with more riders at the absolute highest level. These riders must also get the chance at the biggest competitions, says Henrik Ankarcrona.

“An Opportunity to Strengthen the National Team”

The four riders who will compete in the team will be announced on-site. The last name will compete individually.

The selection marks the international championship debut at the senior level for Landeblad, Lickhammer van Helmond, and von Essen.

– With the World Championships around the corner, which is also an Olympic qualifier, I want more riders with championship experience. We have riders like Peder Fredricson and Henrik von Eckermann in the national team, but they don't need more championship experience. For me, the European Championships is a chance to strengthen the national team in the long term, and I want to give these riders the opportunity to compete in a championship, says Ankarcrona.

The championship will be held in La Coruña, Spain, from July 16 to 20.