Nicknames |
DoubleD (cnn.com, 09 Mar 2020) |
Hobbies |
Spending time with family. (reiterrevue.de, 18 May 2020) |
Memorable sporting achievement |
Winning the grand prix event at the 2021 Aachen CSIO5* competition in Germany. (CHIO Aachen Facebook page, 20 Sep 2021; chioaachen.de, 19 Sep 2021) |
Most influential person in career |
His parents, and coach Franke Sloothaak. (reiterrevue.de, 18 May 2020; globalchampionstour.com, 07 May 2016) |
Hero / Idol |
British jumping rider John Whitaker, German jumping riders Franke Sloothaak and Ludger Beerbaum. (noellefloyd.com, 11 Feb 2019) |
Sporting philosophy / motto |
"A great rider is one who always wants to learn, who never sits still, who never thinks that he is finished with his career, one who always tries to get better." (cnn.com, 10 Jul 2019) |
Other sports |
He took part in regional BMX championships as a child. (stephex.com, 10 May 2016) |
Famous relatives |
His father-in-law Eric Wauters represented Belgium in equestrian jumping at the Olympic Games in 1972, 1976, and 1996. (SportsDeskOnline, 10 Feb 2020; sporza.be, 30 Dec 2019) |
Other information |
FROM GERMANY TO BELGIUM
Born in Germany, he has spent time working in the Netherlands for Jan Tops. In 2012 he became the main rider for Stephex Stables in Wolvertem, Belgium. (puissance.com, 21 Nov 2022; stephexstables.com, 18 Mar 2022; Facebook page, 14 Dec 2021; noellefloyd.com, 11 Feb 2019; planetecso.com, 07 Nov 2016; stephex.com, 10 May 2016) |