Bouncing Back: Christian Ahlmann discusses his hardest moment in the sport

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14/08/2024

Longines presents Rising Above: Episode 2 – Christian Ahlmann, Bouncing Back

Longines Global Champions Tour is proud to present the highly anticipated second episode of their thrilling new content series, Rising Above presented by Longines. In this emotionally charged installment, titled Bouncing Back, viewers are given an unprecedented glimpse into the life of one of the greatest German show jumpers of all time, Christian Ahlmann. The episode reveals his harrowing fall in Mexico City and his triumphant return to the pinnacle of the sport, showcasing the raw power of determination and the unbreakable spirit of a champion.

“People who have been on top for a while may think they are invincible, but life is unpredictable; anything can happen,” Ahlmann reflects in this compelling episode.

It was a moment that stunned the equestrian world—a scene no one expected: Christian Ahlmann, a legend in show jumping, lying on the ground after a devastating fall from his horse, Solid Gold, during the Longines Global Champions Tour in Mexico City 2023. This episode of Rising Above delves deep into that defining moment, taking viewers on an emotional journey of resilience as Ahlmann shares his most vulnerable and inspiring experiences like never before.

In Bouncing Back, which is free to watch across all Longines Global Champions Tour social media channels, Christian Ahlmann opens up about the challenges he faced, both on and off the arena, and how these obstacles shaped his path to recovery and success.

The episode begins with Ahlmann reflecting on his early life, growing up in a family deeply rooted in the show jumping world. His destiny seemed predetermined—he was to be a show jumper. And for a long time, Ahlmann was on top of the world. But in 2023, everything changed.

For the first time, an emotional Ahlmann recounts his fall in Mexico City, a moment he thought might be the end of his illustrious career. “I remember lying there, thinking, ‘This could be it,’” he recalls. “All I could hope was that we would survive.”

Suffering from severe pain in his neck, head, and arm, Ahlmann’s primary concern was for Solid Gold. Miraculously, the horse was unharmed—a fact that Ahlmann calls “a miracle.” The recovery was arduous, with six long weeks passing before the German rider could even think about getting back in the saddle.

But what happened next was nothing short of extraordinary…

Returning to competition at his first CSI5* show after the most significant injury of his career, with doubts about whether he could ever perform at the highest level again, Ahlmann demonstrated why he remains one of the sport’s best. Speaking about his comeback at the Longines Global Champions Tour of Paris 2023, Ahlmann reflects, “I couldn’t believe what happened that weekend.”

In a true testament to his ability, Christian Ahlmann went on to win the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Paris just 6 weeks after his injury. He explains: “Winning Longines Global Champions Tour classes which are absolutely the highest level of our sport, that’s rare.”

In a touching finish to the episode Christian talks about how everyone falls down but it is how you get back up that defines you. He says: “If you are going through the worst period of your life, don’t loose faith. Keep fighting, believe in yourself and remember what you are able to do. This is your strength.”

The Rising Above series, created in collaboration with Longines, celebrates world-class athletes who exemplify perseverance and excellence. Each episode delves into the personal and professional struggles and triumphs of these athletes, revealing the mindset that drives them to overcome adversity and achieve greatness.

This eight-episode series is quickly becoming a must-watch for equestrian enthusiasts and sports fans alike, offering an intimate look at the lives and careers of the top show jumpers in the world.

Christian Ahlmann’s episode, Bouncing Back, is now available to stream on Youtube offering fans the opportunity to witness the incredible journey of one of the sport’s most respected figures.

Launch dates of episodes:

13 August: Bouncing Back – Christian Ahlmann
20 August: Proving Them Wrong – Sanne Thijssen
27 August: Defying Age – John Whitaker
3 September: Finding the Balance – Angelica Zanotelli
10 September: Becoming an Insider – Edouard Schmitz
17 September: Growing Together – Katrin Eckermann
24 September: Overcoming Fears – Niels Bruynseels

For more information on the Rising Above series and to watch the latest episode, please visit here or follow Longines and the Longines Global Champions Tour on social media from 8 pm CET tonight.