The highly awarded event rider is not considered a major speaker, but in the fifth episode of the CHIO Aachen Podcast, Michael Jung gives an unusually open insight into his career and private life. Horses have always been the centre of attention from an early age: ‘I wasn't able to concentrate much at school, even when doing my homework. I only thought about horses from morning to night.’ In the cosy equestrian lounge at his home stables, he talks about other childhood memories, self-doubt and the special significance of the Olympic gold medal in Paris.

As the last starter in the final jumping competition, the pressure could hardly have been greater. But Michael Jung and Chipmunk kept their nerve and secured the individual gold medal for the eventers at the 2024 Olympic Games in the Palace Gardens of Versailles. ‘This medal is really a great honour, I keep walking past it from morning to night and taking a look at it,’ the four-time Olympic Champion admits honestly. During the recording of the fifth episode of the CHIO Aachen Podcast in the equestrian parlour at the Jung facility, the medal shines particularly brightly, not only because its gold stands out amongst the countless ribbons, awards and old photos.

‘There were times before when things didn’t go so smoothly, especially at major events. I thought about whether I might be letting down people who invest so much and believe in me,’ says Michael Jung thoughtfully. That’s why he felt a lot of pressure this year in Paris – especially from himself. ‘To have actually made it in the end is an incredible relief and a very, very big thank you to everyone who has supported me so much.’

Above all, his family gives the 42-year-old support. His wife Faye, who is also successful in the saddle, as well as his parents and brother, are always there for him. ‘The family must somehow also have the passion and the horse fever in them, otherwise it won’t work or will only work with great difficulty,’ he is convinced. His two children, Lio and Mara, are also already infected: they spend a lot of time with the pony and always want to feed carrots at competitions, as their dad reports with a laugh.

When he thinks back to his own childhood, the record-breaking Olympic eventing champion also mainly remembers horses: ‘I couldn’t concentrate much at school, even when I was doing my homework. I only thought about horses from morning to night.’ But ambition also always played a role for the young Michael Jung: ‘When we played football with friends, I wanted to score a goal, when we were racing, I wanted to win. I think everyone has a little bit of that in them, but for me it grew and intensified, especially when I was riding.’

And so the 42-year-old continued to work on himself and still does today. Because in his opinion, working with horses requires different aspects. ‘Talent is when you intuitively do the right thing in a fraction of a second. But that alone is not enough. You have to be diligent, disciplined and constantly question whether you’re on the right track. This is especially true when you’re dealing with animals,’ he emphasises.

In the fifth episode of the CHIO Aachen Podcast, Michael Jung, who describes himself as a rather taciturn person, gives further insights into his work with the horses and also reveals some anecdotes about his private life. You can find the new episode here and wherever podcasts are available.