First Olympic champion in Paris, then second in the overall ranking of the Longines Global Champions Tour 2024, second in the team ranking of the Global Champions League 2024 - and now the award from the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) as “Best Athlete of the Year 2024”.

Christian Kukuk is only just beginning to believe his luck: “Of course, this has been the best year of my sporting career so far. It's a great honor for me to win this award. To be named best athlete 2024 is incredible. This achievement is the result of a team effort. While I am in the front row, many people are behind me.”

At the festive presentation of the awards in four categories in Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates) as part of the FEI Awards Gala presented by Longines, the rider from Riesenbeck received the winner's trophy from the hands of Martin Atock (Peden Bloodstock).

The citation for the award said: “Christian comes from a family that is closely connected to equestrian sport. As a child, however, he preferred playing soccer to riding. That changed, but the two sports crossed paths a little in 2024 when Christian and his horse Checker 47 - which belongs to Bayern Munich footballer Thomas Müller as co-owner - won gold in the individual show jumping competition at the Olympic Games in Paris.”

Christian Kukuk, who is known for his meticulous care and sensitivity towards his horses, also paid tribute to his equine partner Checker: “I have known Checker for four years and in that time we have built up a strong bond. That takes a lot of work, just like with human relationships.”

It was particularly important to him at the ceremony to include his family as well as his horse Checker. “Checker and I have experienced both successes and disappointments. Our bond is based on trust - he has to trust me and I have to trust him - and that trust led to a gold medal in Paris. It meant everything to have my family and friends with me. Our sport is about emotion and it's sad when you can't share those moments with those closest to you.”

The other award winners are:

Omar Abdul Aziz Al Marzooqi (UAE), Longines FEI Rising Star Award category, which is given to equestrian talents aged 14 to 21.

Bettina Cardinael (FRA), category Cavalor FEI Best Groom, an award for the heroes of equestrian sport who work behind the scenes as grooms.

The Namibian Equestrian Federation (NAMEF) FEI Inspire Award category for the 'Enabling Through the Horse' development program.

Picture: FEI -  FEI Award 2024 winners with Christian Kukuk (second from left)