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US Equestrian’s Jessica Springsteen Reacts to Teaming with Three Former Medalists at the Tokyo Olympics 2020
Jessica Springsteen made headlines when she qualified for the Tokyo Olympics 2020. Bruce Springsteen’s daughter qualified for the 2012 Olympics but did not travel to London, where the US showjumping team picked up silver. In Tokyo, she has the honor of teaming with those past medal winners and bonafide legends of the sport.
Jessica Springsteen talks about her legendary teammates
PARIS, FRANCE – JULY 05: Jessica Springsteen of The United States of America and RMF Zecilie compete on day 1 of the 5th Longines Paris Eiffel Jumping on July 5, 2018 in Paris, France. (Photo by Aurelien Meunier/Getty Images)
Joining Jessica Springsteen at the Tokyo Olympics are three of the best showjumpers in the field. McLain Ward, a back-to-back gold medalist leads the squad. Laura Kraut not only trained Springsteen but won gold in Beijing. Finally, Kent Farrington clinched silver alongside Ward in Rio 2016.
With teammates like these, the pressure on Springsteen’s shoulders lightens significantly. However, she still has to deliver on an individual level. Speaking on the Today Show on NBC along with her teammates, she talked about having a highly decorated line up alongside her.
“I think this team is very strong. I think our chances are good.”
We’re catching up with the U.S. equestrian jumping team – Kent Farrington, Laura Kraut, McLain Ward and Jessica Springsteen, daughter of Bruce Springsteen, before they compete in the #TokyoOlympics. pic.twitter.com/yAyw7qEweU
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) July 19, 2021
“I’ve admired these riders throughout my career; so to be named in the team with them is such a huge honour. They’ve so much experience, they all have medals in the Games. So I’m really looking forward to it.”
With three gold and two silver medals between them, the members of the showjumping squad are easily the favorites heading into the equestrian events. However, will they deliver or will the hype and expectations catch up to them?
Laura Kraut talks about working with former teammates and Springsteen
Laura Kraut, the 55-year-old veteran, also commented on her relationship with her past teammates and her former student, Jessica Springsteen. She was the youngest team member during the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona. But in Tokyo, she’ll be the oldest.
“You know, I guess it’s funny because I was the youngest member of the team in 1992. I was the alternate, and then this year I’m the oldest member of the team, but I think it’s still the same. It’s such an honor, and it’s exciting and we just can’t wait to get there.”
“I think that this is the pinnacle of our sport and I’m very lucky to be surrounded by two former teammates that I’ve had many times before and the newest one who I’ve had a relationship- training for a few years. This is just a great opportunity,” said Kraut. Will her experience pay off in Tokyo and win her a second gold medal at the Olympics?
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