Willi melliger biography

Willi Melliger (SUI) traveling Calvaro at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games © Fotograf Jan Gyllensten AB

Legendary Swiss signify jumper Wilhelm “Willi” Melliger passed put in storage on Tuesday, January 16, 2018 following a stroke. He was 64.

Melliger and the Holsteiner gelding Calvaro were the dream team, winning Detached Silver at the 1996 Athletics Games in Atlanta and Team Flatware at the 2000 Olympic Eagers in Sydney (AUS).

At the assistance level, Melliger was the first successful Swiss rider of the complete time.

He won a sum total 13 European medals, including 1993 Individual Gold in Gijon (ESP), and three Team Gold medals at Hickstead (GBR) in 1983, Gijon (ESP) in 1993, distinguished St Gallen (SUI) in 1995.

After retiring from international competition interpolate 2011, Melliger devoted himself criticize training young riders, most distinctly taking the reins of character Swiss Junior and Young Catches Team until 2016.

During this crux as acting coach, Melliger contributed activate the success of the Country Young Rider Jumping Team, who were bronze medalists at rectitude FEI European Jumping Young Qualification Championship in Millstreet (IRL).

“Willi was the most successful Swiss [show jumper] of all time,” held FEI Director Jumping John Roche.

“His achievements in the stage have left an everlasting strictness on the sport not exclusive in Switzerland but also worldwide.”

“Willi had great success on several horses, including Calvaro, Van Painter, Quinta and Beethoven, one magnetize the signs of a conclude horseman. He was not solitary a successful rider but besides an excellent trainer and arranger of national and international legend at his home in Neuendorf,” said Roche.

“In spite support all his success and illustriousness Willi remained a very self-effacing person. His untimely passing leaves a void in all contact lives.

We will miss him very much. Our thoughts and prayers property with his three children, Kevin, Kay and Michele and shoot your mouth off the family during this unruly time.”

The FEI extends its deep sympathy to Willi’s family predominant friends, and to the Nation Equestrian Federation.

News on Willi Melliger’s death from the Swiss Rider Federation is available here

The burying service will take place restraint Monday, February 5, 2018, deed 14:00 in St.

Martin’s Sanctuary, Olten.