Bruce Springsteen’s daughter, Jessica Springsteen, qualified for the US equestrian show jumping team. She will head to the Tokyo Olympics 2021 to make her debut on the sport’s grandest stage. She lives up to the name of her legendary father, who is more than just a musician.
Jessica Springsteen: Born in the USA
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Daughter to one of the greatest musicians in the world and the fastest rising star in her field, Jessica Springsteen takes a big step in her career by qualifying for the Olympics. On July 5th, US Equestrian announced the show jumping team for Tokyo, which included three former Olympians and the debuting Springsteen.
Jessica began riding horses from a young age after her parents moved from Los Angeles to New Jersey. Away from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, Springsteen received the impetus to train and find her passion in a unique sport. Her career in show jumping began during her teenage years, and she blossomed into a professional show jumper by 19.
Springsteen has represented her country in various tournaments. She trained with fellow show jumping teammate and Beijing 2008 gold medalist Laura Kraut for five years. She pursued Olympic qualification during and after that period.
With her big moment coming within a month, Springsteen will join former medalists Laura Kraut, Kent Farrington and McLain Ward in a bid to make her country proud. Just like her legendary father, Jessica will stamp her name on the international stage.
Which horse will accompany her to the Tokyo Olympics 2021?
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Jessica Springsteen’s first horse as a professional athlete was Vordnado Van Den Hoendrik. She took to the horse to the 2011 Royal Windsor Horse Show which served as her introduction to the field. The following years, British equestrian legend and medalist Peter Charles lent Springsteen his gold medal winning horse, Vindicat W.
Many horses came and went, but Springsteen remained far from Olympic berth. Fortunately, her debut Olympics will have her ride Don Juan Van De Donkhoeve. A seasoned horse, the eleven-year-old stallion has around 200 starts, but hasn’t picked up many wins.
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However, with the #27 ranked show jumper in the world, the stallion will have to deliver. The eyes of the world are on Springsteen and Don Juan, who have to work hard to appear on the level of their fellow teammates.
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