Formula 1 driver Michael Schumacher’s daughter Gina is following in her father’s footsteps as a champion in sport, taking home two gold medals from last week’s FEI European reining championships for juniors and young riders.
The 17-year-old took the individual junior gold was also part of the German gold medal-winning team at the event.
The championships took place in Givrins in Switzerland (2-3 July) at Gina’s mother, Corinna Schumacher’s, ranch.
Forty-six riders from nine countries took part in the event, including reiners from Britain, although the team was not in the medals.
Italy was aiming at fifth consecutive victory in the junior event, but had to settle for silver when the German team claimed victory. Belgium took bronze.
Alongside Gina was Jakob Behringer, Lena-Marie Maas and Shawn Wagner.
“All the riders worked hard to achieve this much coveted medal,” said German team coach, Nico Hoermann.
Gina then went on to take individual gold, while teammate Jakob Behringer took bronze. Italy’s Eric Ranieri Volpe claimed silver.
Gina was competing her 11-year-old paint horse stallion Gunners Enterprise whose stable-name is Digger.
“My horse was great for me once again, and I am thrilled with this second gold medal,” she said. “I cannot thank my team members and coach enough, my trainer Shawna Larcombe and of course my mum and family who are my greatest supporters.”
Her father Michael is currently recovering from a skiing accident in December 2013, which left him in a medically induced coma until June 2014. He is now at home, but reportedly in a wheelchair.
At the time a French journalist claimed Michael’s head camera worsened his injuries in the fall, leading to British Eventing bringing a blanket ban in on the devices.
Italy took control in the young riders competition winning team gold ahead of German and Austria.
“I am thrilled with our athletes even though in the past we have claimed both (junior and young rider taam) gold medals” said Italian coach Filippo Masi de Vargas. “
“The level of competition is getting better every year. I am truly proud and honoured to have such a great group of athletes.”
The country dominated the individual medals too with Alessio Baldi taking gold, with countryman Andrea Pedrotti finishing with silver.
FEI secretary general, Sabrina Zeender said: “These championships were fabulous and dynamic, providing super sport. The quality of the riders was outstanding and the infrastructure at the venue is amazing. The complex here is state-of-the-art and the perfect place to stage a Reining Championship at any level. It is really exciting to see so many young riders and juniors with so much promise. Their talent suggests great things for the future of this sport.”
