Following an update to the Longines Rankings published yesterday on August 3, 2022*, Sweden’s Olympic gold medallist Henrik Von Eckermann has been confirmed as the new world number one, taking the lead on the Longines Rankings with 3,119 points ahead of Martin Fuchs (SUI) on 3,081 and compatriot Peder Fredricson with 2,941 points.
Von Eckermann, member of the Swedish team winning the gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, has been in the top ten of the Longines Rankings for the past year and actively meddling in the top three for the past six months without having been able to claim the top spot until now. It is the first time in his career that the top-level athlete leads the Longines Rankings.
“It feels like a big relief. It’s been a long way and it’s something I have always dreamed of. I believe it’s the biggest achievement of my career, it is one thing to win a competition and be at a great level for a weekend. But to become world number one you need to be consistent in the long run and obtain 30 great results to reach more than 3,000 points,” Von Eckermann explains.
“It all started at the last Olympics in Tokyo where we had a fantastic performance. Since then, thanks to my horses, in particular King Edward and Glamour Girl, and my whole team, we have had a very consistent year. They have definitely played a huge role and have helped me become the new number one in the world.”
Together with his Olympic superstar King Edward, Von Eckermann is now aiming for the prestigious title of world champion, as he will be part of the team representing Sweden at the upcoming ECCO FEI World Championships in Herning (DEN).
“Going into the ECCO FEI World Championships in Herning as new World number one means that you want to prove that you are on the top of the ranking for a reason. It will be a very long and difficult week because so many things can go wrong… But overall I have an amazing feeling, King Edward is in great shape and me as well. I really look forward to compete at Herning.”
Ahead of the ECCO FEI World Championships in Herning, the new Longines Rankings also draw attention to Harrie Smolders (NED) and Julien Epaillard (FRA), who have made their entry to the top-ten, respectively on ranks eight and nine, and who will also be strong contenders for a spot on the world championship podium. Canada’s Tiffany Foster remains the highest-ranked female on the international list, moving up from 39th to 36th place.
The full Longines Rankings list is published here.
* The Rankings published on 3 August initially presented Switzerland’s Martin Fuchs as the World number 1, however, it was revealed that the dates for Jumping events in Tokyo 2020 were not accurately represented in the FEI Calendar (as they encompassed all three disciplines), and therefore 25% of the points obtained by Jumping athletes at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games were not taken into account. The start date for Jumping at Tokyo 2020 has now been adjusted and the Longines Rankings have been recalculated and updated accordingly.
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