Michael Jung to Ride Sam in Rio: Is the Stage Set for an Olympic Repeat?

Michael Jung just announced on his Facebook page that his first choice for Rio, fischerTakinou, has been withdrawn from the Olympic Games at the last minute due to an infection. The reigning Olympic champion La Biosthetique Sam FBW will now step in to compete for the German team.

It’s tough to bet against Michael and Sam repeating their run at Olympic gold from the 2012 London Olympics. In the last year alone, Michael and the 16-year-old gelding have won four-star events at Burghley and Badminton, which ultimately helped Germany’s top rider clinch the Rolex Grand Slam.

Just 15 days to go until the first horse inspection! Click here to see the definite entry list for eventing in Rio, which will be updated shortly to reflect fischerTakinou’s withdrawal. We wish Takinou a speedy recovery.