Julia Krajewski

Julia Krajewski was born on October 22, 1988, in Langenhagen, Lower Saxony, Germany. She began her equestrian journey at the age of five with her pony, Tibo, and quickly developed a passion for eventing, distinguishing herself in cross-country riding. Her early career saw numerous successes, including winning 10 medals, five of which were gold, at the Junior European Championships. These formative years established her as a prominent young talent in the sport. Recognizing her potential, the German Olympic Equestrian Committee (DOKR) invited her to join the Eventing Prospects Group in 2007, providing additional support for her development in elite sports. From 2009 to 2012, Krajewski served as a military sports person in the German Army’s Sports Promotion Group, and she continues to be active as a reservist at the German Army’s Sports Academy in Warendorf.

Krajewski’s professional career progressed steadily, marked by consistent performance and dedication. She completed her apprenticeship as a Horse Manager in 2009, graduating at the top of her class, and further enhanced her credentials by becoming a “Master in Equestrian Management” in 2012, specializing in riding instruction. In 2015, she became a “Qualified Equestrian Coach” after three years of study with the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB). Since November 2016, she has also held the position of National Coach for Junior Eventers in the German Equestrian Federation. Her presence at international championships as a senior equestrian began at the 2011 European Championships in Luhmühlen, where she was the only woman to compete in her debut. These roles underscore her commitment not only to competing but also to developing future generations of equestrians.

A significant turning point in Krajewski’s competitive career came during the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, where she earned a silver medal in the team eventing despite being a reserve rider initially. This experience, though challenging, propelled her forward. In 2017, she achieved a major victory at the Luhmühlen CCI5*-L on Samourai du Thot, demonstrating her capabilities at the highest level. Her perseverance culminated in 2021 at the Tokyo Olympics (held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic), where she made history by winning the gold medal in individual eventing, riding Amande De B’Neville, becoming the first female athlete to achieve this distinction. This accomplishment solidified her position as a leading figure in the sport, showcasing her ability to overcome setbacks and achieve excellence.