Oldest Living Equestrian Legend, Who Once Made Record-Breaking Olympic Achievements, Passes Away at 102

Sports and games have been spreading joy amongst people for centuries now. One such individual who made the equestrian world light up was Wilhelm Büsing. On 25th June 2023, the world lost its oldest surviving equestrian medallist. Hailing from Germany, this Büsing participated in the games with a passion and won medals with his team while on horseback. 

All of this happened just seven years after his homeland had lost a second major war and was crumbling under an economic crisis. However, he was hopeful about the future and trusted the wheel of fortune to turn. 

Receiving His First Medal

Büsing’s father was a horse trader. This made him an expert horse rider and a horse breeder. Before achieving success at the Olympics, he won his first international tournament in 1937. This exposed him to the eyes of the authorities, who put him on the Olympics team. Competing at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics, he won a bronze medal individually and a silver medal with his team, which consisted of fellow riders – Otto Rothe and Klaus Wagner. He further went on to win another silver medal with his trusted team at the 1954 European Championships.

After winning medals at the Helsinki Olympics, Büsing was warmly welcomed by his hometown of Jade. He had secured his berth in the equestrian team because of his brilliant riding skills. However, his horse breeding skills were just as excellent. After successfully publishing his thesis on breeding Oldenburg horses, he received his doctorate in 1945. Büsing has been involved with the breeding and caretaking of horses ever since.

The Adventures of Dr. Willi

In 1954, Büsing retired as a rider but continued to treat, breed and look after horses. In fact, he actively served as a veterinary doctor for horses, along with being the chef de mission. He coached the German equestrian team during the next three Olympic events(1956-64) and the European Championships of 1966 as well. During his days as an instructor, he was affectionately dubbed as ‘Dr. Willi’ by people. 

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Dr. Willi also offered his valuable services as a referee at several international tournaments. Before the passing of this legend at the green age of 102, he was the second oldest surviving Olympic medallist. Jan Tönjes, The President of the International Association of Equestrian Journalists, paid homage to Dr. Willi for his contribution to the equestrian world.

He wrote, “A staunch advocate for creatures, an advocate of good riding as the best way to meet the horse sportingly and fairly, has closed his eyes forever.” Are you aware of any person who contributed greatly to a sport in their playing days and even after retirement? As the equestrian world touches greater heights, Wilhelm ‘Dr. Willi ‘Büsing will always be remembered as a true champion who now rests in peace.

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