Isabell Werth: The Queen of Dressage and Germany’s Olympic Legend
In a world where some athletes glide through their careers on a wave of endorsements and Instagram followers, Isabell Werth has made her mark in a rather more majestic and traditional manner – on horseback, mind you! Recently crowned in the sprawling gardens of Versailles (yes, the place that makes your local park look like a backyard), this dressage sport icon bagged not just team gold and individual silver but also a shiny new title as the most successful German Olympian. Talk about a golden haul! With a staggering total of eight gold medals adorning her neck, she’s practically a walking hardware store.
The German Sport Press Ball, known for celebrating the crème de la crème of sports, decided to mix things up this year by assigning the PEGASOS Prize in the “Legend of Sport” category to the 55-year-old marvel. According to the organizers, “She has been practicing her sport at the highest level for decades and has always maintained a deep relationship with her horses that is characterized by individual appreciation.” Well, I guess if your job involves dancing with horses, you’d better have a better relationship with them than your last date!
The day after this glittering soirée, Isabell, who clearly just can’t stop being charming, said, “I was very moved by this award and the appreciation that came with it. I feel really honored.” A modest response for someone who has spent decades gracefully maneuvering both her horses and her way through the competitive sport of dressage. The ball’s motto “Merci Paris” aptly marks the closure of an Olympic year, as if to say, “Thanks for the memory, now let’s all dress fancy and have a good time!”
You see, the “Legend of Sport” honor isn’t just any regular accolade; it’s practically like the Oscars of the sports world – only with less awkward silence and more actual talent. Launched in 2007, the award aims to spotlight illustrious careers while also cherishing those who actively give back to society. Who wouldn’t want to be recognized as a ‘legend’ while also having one eye on charitable deeds? I mean, it’s like heading to a buffet and coming out with a trophy!
The list of past winners reads like a VIP guest list for a sports awards show. Imagine being a fly on the wall in a room where Jan Frodeno, Michael Schumacher, and Katarina Witt discuss what it feels like to be god-like in their sports. Joining Werth in this elite club are legends such as Gerd Müller (posthumously, because who doesn’t want to be immortalized in some way?), Laura Dahlmeier, and even Oliver Kahn – he’s still making headlines even when he’s not guarding the goal!
So, before we wrap up this horse-tastic adventure, let’s applaud Isabell Werth for being more than just a rider; she’s a symbol of excellence in sport, a beacon of dedication, and quite frankly, she makes our New Year’s resolutions look pathetic in comparison. May we all take a leaf out of her book – perhaps not literally, because have you seen the size of her medals?
“In the magnificent palace gardens of Versailles, dressage sport legend Isabell Werth was celebrated not only as the most successful equestrian rider in history, having clinched team gold and individual silver, but also as Germany’s most accomplished Olympian, boasting an impressive total of eight gold medals. ‘She has dedicated her life to this sport at the pinnacle of excellence for decades, fostering a profound bond with her horses that reflects her deep appreciation for each one,’ remarked the organizers of the prestigious German Sport Press Ball, justifying Werth’s receipt of the esteemed PEGASOS Prize in the ‘Legend of Sport’ category. This distinction is fitting for the 55-year-old exceptional athlete, whose illustrious career includes multiple world and European championship titles alongside her Olympic successes.
The “Legend of Sport” honor has been awarded since 2007 and is recognized as one of the most emotional and spectacular highlights of the evening. The organizers are honoring the lives and contributions of legendary athletes whose remarkable careers are complemented by their active engagement in charitable endeavors.
The names of the award winners read like a who’s who of athletes who receive special recognition and appreciation in Germany. The list of past honorees features an impressive assembly of sports icons including Jan Frodeno, Heide Ecker-Rosendahl, and Ulrike Nasse-Meyfarth, along with luminaries like Gerd Müller (posthumously), Laura Dahlmeier, and Magdalena Neuner. Other notable recipients include Philipp Lahm, Reinhold Messner, Joachim Löw, Lothar Matthäus, Maria Höfl-Riesch, Uwe Seeler, Michael Schumacher, Katarina Witt, Franz Beckenbauer, Oliver Kahn, Boris Becker, and Heiner Brand, all of whom have made significant contributions to the world of sports and society.
Press release FN
### Interview with Isabell Werth: The Queen of Dressage
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Isabell. Congratulations on your recent victories and your incredible honor as a recipient of the PEGASOS Prize! How does it feel to be recognized as the most successful German Olympian?
**Isabell Werth:** Thank you! It’s truly an honor to receive such recognition, especially in a setting as beautiful as Versailles. I’ve dedicated my life to dressage, and to have that work acknowledged means the world to me. It’s a celebration not just for me but for everyone who has supported me along this journey.
**Editor:** You’ve won a staggering eight Olympic gold medals. What would you say is the secret to your success in a sport that requires such deep connection with your horses?
**Isabell Werth:** It’s all about the bond and trust between horse and rider. Each horse is unique, and I strive to understand and appreciate their individual personalities. That connection is what allows us to perform at our best together. It’s a partnership, really.
**Editor:** The “Legend of Sport” honor you received has been described as the Oscars of the sports world. How do you compare this recognition to previous accolades you’ve received?
**Isabell Werth:** It’s a wonderful comparison! This award really highlights not just athletic achievement but also giving back to the community. I believe in using my platform to inspire and support the next generation of riders and sports enthusiasts. Being part of this elite club with legendary athletes is very humbling.
**Editor:** Reflecting on your illustrious career, what advice would you give to aspiring athletes looking to achieve greatness in their sport?
**Isabell Werth:** Patience and perseverance are key. Every athlete faces challenges and setbacks, but staying committed to your passion and continuously improving is vital. Also, build strong relationships with your mentors and your team—it makes a huge difference.
**Editor:** Looking ahead, what’s next for you in your career?
**Isabell Werth:** I plan to continue competing and working with my horses as long as I can. I’m also focused on coaching and mentoring young equestrians. There’s so much talent out there, and I want to help nurture that passion for dressage.
**Editor:** Thank you, Isabell, for sharing your insights today. Your achievements and dedication to the sport truly inspire many!
**Isabell Werth:** Thank you for having me! It’s always a pleasure to talk about what I love.
