Michael Jung: From Apprentice to Olympic Champion
Michael “Michi” Jung – the versatile gold medal rider: two-time Olympic champion, the first-ever Grand Slam winner, a qualified professional rider, master of horse management, and honorary citizen of the town of Horb am Neckar. In 2012, he became the first eventing rider to hold the Olympic, World, and European individual titles at the same time.
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Career Path: From Apprentice to Olympic Champion
Michael Jung was born on July 31, 1982, in Bad Soden am Taunus. Shortly afterwards, his family moved to their equestrian facility in Horb-Altheim. Through his father Joachim Jung—himself highly successful in the saddle—Michael received a solid education in dressage, show jumping, and eventing. His first successes soon followed: at just eight years old, Jung competed at his first shows.
By 1999, he was already competing successfully in eventing with his horse Maricos, winning his first title at the German Junior Championships. Later that same year, the pair also secured team gold at the European Championships in Vittel. Professionally, Michael was on a fast track as well: after finishing secondary school, he trained as a Pferdewirt (equine specialist) in the family business. He won the national competition for Pferdewirte and, just eight years later, earned the title of Pferdewirtschaftsmeister—graduating with honours in all disciplines.
Michael has not only collected countless successes on national and international stages, but for years has also helped run the family operation. Under the motto “Success is only possible together,” the Jung family runs their riding school in Horb, Baden-Württemberg.
Michael Jung: His Greatest Achievements
He loves riding. Alongside competing at events, his passion lies in training young horses. And Michael Jung has more than enough reason to be proud of his successes:
- 2024: Olympic Games, Paris (FRA)
Gold in the individual eventing competition with Chipmunk FRH - 2021: Olympic Games (JPN)
Individual: 8th place, Team: 4th place with Chipmunk FRH - 2017: European Championships, Strzegom (POL)
Individual: 2nd place, Team: 10th place with Fischerrocana - 2016: Olympic Games, Rio de Janeiro (BRA)
Individual: Gold, Team: Silver with La Biosthetique Sam FBW - 2015: European Championships, Blair Castle (GBR)
Team Gold and Individual Gold (Takinou) - 2014: World Equestrian Games, Caen (FRA)
Team Gold, Individual Silver (Rocana) - 2014: World Championships for Young Event Horses, Le Lion d’Angers (FRA)
Win (Star Connection) - 2013: European Championships, Malmö (SWE)
Team Gold and Individual Gold - 2012: Olympic Games, London (GBR)
Team Gold and Individual Gold (Sam) - 2011: European Championships, Luhmühlen (GER)
Team Gold and Individual Gold (Sam) - 2010: World Equestrian Games, Kentucky (USA)
Team: 5th place, Individual: Gold (Sam) - 2009: European Championships, Fontainebleau (FRA)
Team: 8th place, Individual: Bronze (Sam) - 2009: World Cup Final, Strzegom (POL)
Win (Sam) - 2007: World Championships for Young Event Horses, Le Lion d’Angers (FRA)
Individual: Silver (Sam) and 13th place (Desperados) - 2003: European Championships, Biały Bór (POL), Young Riders
Team: Silver, Individual: Gold (Marco) - 1999: European Championships, Vittel (FRA), Juniors
Team: Silver, Individual: 9th place (Maricos)
Michael Jung and His Most Successful Horses
Over the course of his career, Michael has been partnered with many four-legged athletes. The following horses, however, stand out in particular:
*Fischer Chipmunk FRH (2008)
Chipmunk FRH was bred by Dr. Hilmer Meyer-Kulenkampff, who combines Hanoverians and Thoroughbreds to produce athleticism and a strong willingness to perform. The breeding line dates back to 1905. In October 2018, Chipmunk FRH moved to Michael Jung, supported by the DOKR and sponsors, after the partnership with Julia Krajewski ended. Michael Jung and Chipmunk FRH won individual gold at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, marking Jung’s third Olympic individual title.
La Biosthetique Sam FBW (*2000)
This horse was a long-time partner of Michael Jung and contributed significantly to his success. Together, they won, among other titles, gold at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Sam competed in 63 international eventing competitions and was officially retired from sport in 2018.
Fischer Rocana FST
Another successful horse ridden by Michael Jung. The mare competed in 52 international competitions and finished in the top five 30 times. Since 2021, she has been used for breeding and has already produced her first foals.
Fischer Takinou
Takinou has notched up numerous victories up to four-star level. The crowning achievement came when the pair won double gold at the European Championships in Blair Castle.
Only the tough make it through
Even champions aren’t spared the occasional defeat or fall. Competition and championship plans get thrown off course, and an enforced break follows. But as so often in life, what matters is how you deal with it. Michi is a true “master of the comeback” and time and again proves remarkable strength. With his iron determination and perseverance, he has already delivered some impressive returns to form.
Into the second round despite a fall:In 2015, Michael fell with his first horse at Burghley, but that didn’t stop him from going on to complete the cross-country course with La Biosthetique Sam. The result: clear! He became the first German rider to win that event. And just a few days later, he and FischerTakinou delivered again at the European Championships in Blair Castle—double gold. The hospital verdict was less positive: a broken shinbone. Michael was operated on in England right away.
4 facts about Michael Jung: what you should know!
- Record-breaking rocket rider: Michael Jung is the eventing rider from Germany. He’s not only a collector of gold medals—he also set a new world record with FischerChipmunk FRH in Kentucky in May 2022, achieving the best result in the sport’s history.
- Olympic gold twice over: Jung didn’t win the coveted Olympic eventing gold just once, but twice—at back-to-back Olympic Games!
- Horse whisperer in the spotlight: Jung isn’t only a master in the saddle, he’s also a true “horse whisperer.” His close bond with his equine partners is legendary.
- Brand-new in the stable: It was recently announced that Hasenacher Balou Couleur will be joining Team Jung. The 11-year-old gelding began his career in eventing with Andrew Hoy. Hoy soon noticed the horse’s love and talent for the show jumping course. Best of luck, Balou and Michi!
Michael Jung – in a league of his own: a familiar phenomenon in the equestrian world. His partnerships with horses like La Biosthetique Sam FBW and Rocana have led him to countless victories. He’s admired not only for his sporting achievements, but also for the respect and connection he shows to his horses.