18-year-old Olivia Neilands from Malmö is very happy the day after the medal. She competes for Svea Voltige in Arrie and was one of six members of the Swedish team that won bronze in the senior team on Friday.
– It feels absolutely incredible that we won European Championship bronze. It feels cool to have a medal and even if I will compete mostly individually in the future, it feels like proof that I have done something good, says Olivia Neilands.
– To win a medal at an international championship is fantastic and we haven’t won a medal in 21 years. We believe that this medal means a lot and that more people will want to try Voltige, says Ted Velander from the organizing club Svea Voltige.
The biggest championship
At the competitions in Flyinge, the WC for juniors and for young vaulters, but also the EC for seniors, are decided. Thus, this is the largest overall championship in Voltige ever with 700 competitors and 135 horses. And for Olivia Neilands, it is extra exciting to compete so close to home.
– It feels great fun. It’s a bit more edgy and pressure. I’ve had a lot of family and friends here who have been to watch and then you want to show them what you can do. But it also feels safe to run into Flyinge because I’ve done it so many times, says Olivia Neilands.