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Julia Krajewski comes close to Olympic medal in versatility

Dhe eventing rider Julia Krajewski has not had much luck at championships so far. At her first start at the Olympics five years ago in Rio de Janeiro, for example, she was disqualified in cross-country riding after three refusals. At the 2017 European Championships, the German team even lost the silver medal because their horse had been proven to have been medicated forbidden. “I have a history at championships,” she said ambiguously on Sunday in Tokyo after her successful cross-country ride. For this reason, too, her result is “incredibly relieving.” Because this time it could turn out differently.

Before the final course jumping on this Monday (10 a.m. in the FAZ live ticker for the Olympics, on ARD and on Eurosport), the junior national trainer from Warendorf is in second place. A single medal is within your grasp. “She deserves it,” said national coach Hans Melzer when she crossed the finish line with her mare Amande de B’Neville. She made it through without a mistake and exceeded the ideal time by just one second.

“I told her that there will come a day when you will be on the podium after the back and forth of the last few years,” said Melzer. The gap between 32-year-old Julia Krajewski and the leader, the Briton Oliver Townend with Ballaghmor Class, is only two points. The lead over the British Laura Collett, who is in third place with London, is only 0.2 points. In the course, four fault points are chalked for each throw – so a lot can still happen.

Michael Jung falls behind

The Germans, who are currently sixth, could also improve in the team standings – Great Britain is ahead of Australia and France. Your distance from a bronze place is around two drops. “You only give up when the last rider has crossed the finish line in jumping,” said Melzer. Five years ago in Rio he was right with this attitude, his team improved from fourth to second. And he can rely on the fact that his riders have a lot of experience in courses.

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