Isabell Werth and Wendy put on an amazing show
With a fairy-tale performance, Dressage icon Isabell Werth fulfilled her dream of the seventh Olympic Games. After missing the big moments with Quantaz in the past years, Werth returned to her "living room" - and how.
The usually composed Isabell Werth shed tears of joy as the Aachen audience celebrated their heroine from Soers with standing ovations. The Dressage icon was delighted with her unexpected brilliant performance with her new Shootingstar Wendy. Paris can wait. "I think we have the ticket," said the seven-time Olympic gold medalist, after she had earned her seventh participation in the Olympic Summer Games at the CHIO with a remarkable test.
The most successful equestrian in history, there was no doubt about it before the official announcement by the DOKR, will ride together with the just ten-year-old Wendy in front of the Palace of Versailles for their eighth Olympic gold medal. "I've had many competitions in my life, but that was one of the special ones," said the 54-year-old. With her 89.095%, she sent a signal to the competition favorites Jessica von Bredow-Werndl.
After missing the big moments with Quantaz in the past years, Werth returned to her "living room" - and how. Two weeks after the tournament in Rotterdam, it was only the second test for the two of them, and it brought Werth her 15th victory in Aachen.
"Here comes Wendy and dances through the hall"
In Aachen, Werth enchanted the audience with a dance to Barry Manilow's "Mandy" - a tribute to her partner. "I think the spectators enjoyed it," said Werth, "and everyone who hears the music will be carried away." Commentator Carsten Sostmeier early on placed Werth and Wendy in the favorites' circle for the Olympic participants. "Watch out, Jessica and all the others: Here comes Wendy and dances through the hall," said the long-time expert, completely euphoric about the crazy show of the two.
Werth shone three times in the Showdown at the Aachen Soers, the combination of the experienced rider and her ten-year-old newcomer delighted the fans as much as team trainer Monica Theodorescu. "Phenomenal" Werth had developed the mare, the two have been a pair since the beginning of the year. "That's really remarkable," swooned Theodorescu.
Werth had to be honored with the nomination accordingly - and for Frederic Wandres, his "dream of life" Olympic Games came true. "The atmosphere was electric," said the 37-year-old after his second place. He had to complete the team with Werth and double Olympic champion von Bredow-Werndl with Dalera.
In her excitement, Isabell Werth hinted at her plans for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, stating, "Paris can wait, but I think we have the ticket." Following her stellar performance at the CHIO, she concluded, "Watch out for Wendy and me at the Palace of Versailles, we might just bring home another gold medal."
