A Bond Beyond the Arena: Ioli Mytilineou and Hannah Roberson-Mytilineou

In the demanding world of competitive equestrian sport, where the highs are euphoric and the lows can be disheartening, the importance of family support cannot be overstated. For Greek showjumper Ioli Mytilineou, her mother, Hannah Roberson-Mytilineou, has been a guiding light, mentor, and unwavering supporter. Their unique mother-daughter relationship is a testament to the strength of familial bonds in shaping not only careers but also character.

“My mom, I would say, is my best friend,” Ioli shares with a smile. “Of course, we spend a lot of time together, which means we definitely argue as well. But she’s really given a lot to my career, both financially and mentally. That’s such a benefit because she’s been through it herself.”

Hannah’s equestrian journey is impressive in its own right, having represented Greece at the 2004 Athens Olympics. This experience has provided her with invaluable insight into the sport’s pressures and nuances. “She knows what it means to be at this level. Even though the sport is changing, she still understands the feelings and challenges,” Ioli explains.

Hannah’s wisdom allows Ioli to learn from her mother’s successes and mistakes. “I can bounce ideas off her and work with her because there’s no one who wants you to succeed more than your parents.”

Learning Independence

Hannah was Ioli’s first trainer, but both mother and daughter quickly realized the potential challenges of a parent coaching their child. “They knew from quite early on that it’s not easy to train with a parent,” Ioli recalls. “For me to have the best chances and end up loving the sport, it was better to train with someone from the outside. If you train with your parents, you get into arguments, and as a kid, you might start blaming the sport itself.”

This decision allowed Ioli to grow independently while keeping her parents as a safety net. “When I needed them, they were always there,” she says gratefully. “That was one of the best things they did for me, and now we have a really good relationship.”

From “Hannah’s Daughter” to “Ioli’s Mom”

Growing up as the child of an accomplished rider came with its own pressures. “Every time I went to a show, people would say, ‘Oh, you’re Hannah’s daughter.’ And I’d say, ‘Yeah, I’m Hannah’s daughter,’” Ioli laughs. “I really wanted to make a name for myself.”

Now, the roles have reversed. “These days, we go to shows, and people call her ‘Ioli’s mom.’ She hates it, but she’s learning to be okay with it,” Ioli says with a grin.

A Shared Love for Horses

Hannah’s passion for horses began in her childhood in England. “She grew up with ponies, even though her parents had no idea about horses,” Ioli recounts. “She was her own rider, groom, and trainer. She spent her weekends at the stables, taking her ponies to shows by hand.”

This dedication and resilience inspired Ioli from an early age. “When I was a kid, I just wanted to be my mom every day. I even stole her lucky number because I thought she was the coolest person ever.”

A Family Affair

While Ioli followed in her mother’s footsteps, her sister took a different path. “She used to ride when she was younger, but it wasn’t really her passion,” Ioli explains. “She’s allergic to horses and is now in the art business, living in Paris. Still, she’s a very proud sister. Even though she doesn’t know as much about the sport, she understands the sacrifice it takes.”

Ioli’s father, though living in Greece, remains equally invested in her career. “He watches every single round on ClipMyHorse,” she says. “Even if it’s just a one-meter-ten class, he never misses a single round. They’re my biggest supporters.”

Facing the Ups and Downs Together

The emotional rollercoaster of showjumping is one of its most defining aspects, making family support all the more vital. “When you’re up, everyone wants to be your friend. When you’re down, nobody knows you,” Ioli reflects candidly. “It’s tough—being on the road, not doing well. But when you have support, it makes everything easier.”

For Ioli, her mother is not only a source of support but also a symbol of perseverance. “She’s given me so much perspective, and I’m so lucky to have her by my side.”

Their journey together highlights the power of love, respect, and shared dreams in a sport that demands nothing less than total commitment. For Ioli Mytilineou and Hannah Roberson-Mytilineou, it’s clear that their bond is as unbreakable as their passion for equestrianism.

Valentina Sozzi | Photos provided by Ioli Mytilineou

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