OLYMPIC show jumping champion Christian Kukuk was presented with the Peden Bloodstock FEI Best Athlete Award at the FEI Awards Gala in the Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas on Wednesday.

Five major awards – best athlete, rising star, best groom and the inspire award – were handed out on a star-studded evening.

Coming from a family with a deep connection to the equestrian world, Kukuk was more into playing football than riding growing up. While that changed, the two pursuits crossed over somewhat in 2024 when Kukuk rode his horse Checker 47 – co-owned by Bayern Munich footballer Thomas Müller – to individual jumping gold at the Olympic Games in Paris.

“It is a big honour for me to win this award,” Kukuk said. “To be called the best athlete in 2024 is incredible. This achievement is the result of a team effort. While I stand in the first row, there are many people behind me.”

Rising Star

It was a night to remember for local jumping sensation Omar Abdul Aziz Al Marzooqi (UAE) who claimed this year’s Longines FEI Rising Star Award. The 21-year-old, who was the flag carrier for the UAE at the Olympic Games, stood out in Paris for being the youngest athlete in equestrian and for qualifying for the individual final, ultimately finishing in the top 20 on his Olympic debut.

“I feel so proud to win the Longines FEI Rising Star award, especially as it is the first time someone from UAE has received it,” said Omar.

French native Bettina Cardnael was crowned Cavalor FEI Best Groom, an award that honours the unsung heroes of equestrian sport who work behind-the-scenes.

Bettina was recognised for her work as groom for eventing athlete Lara De Liederkerke (BEL), with whom she shared an incredible year, including winning the CCI5* in Lumühlen and finishing 13th in the eventing individual at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

“I love working with Lara; she is hardworking, human and kind to her horses,” Bettina said.

Inspire

For the final award of the evening, the Namibian Equestrian Federation (NAMEF) received the FEI Inspire Award, for its development programme ‘Enabling Through the Horse’.

The FEI Inspire Award is designed to showcase the incredible spirit and determination of individuals or organisations that serve as role models, demonstrating that anything is possible.

Supported by FEI Solidarity, and First Rand Namibia Foundation Trust, the NAMEF programme creates opportunities for differently abled communities in Namibia through equestrian sport, under the guidance of Susan de Meyer.

“This recognition will make a huge impact on the Federation, the programme, to the children, and the horses,” said NAMEF President Richard Frankle, who received the award from FEI President and Chair of the FEI Solidarity Committee Ingmar De Vos.