‍Longines, the Title Partner and Official Timekeeper of the Longines Global Champions Tour and LGCT, is proud to announce the launch of an inspiring new content series titled "Rising Above." The series, produced by Longines Global Champions Tour in partnership with Longines, is dedicated to showcasing the incredible journeys of the world’s best show jumping athletes as they overcome obstacles both on and off the course.

The concept of the eight-part series was conceived and implemented by Hungary's leading independent communications agency, ACG. The agency, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year and manages its own competition stand under the name ACG_Stable, has long made it its mission to promote domestic show jumping. Enabled by this insight, and following the Longines commission, the company successfully shot the entire film series in Hungarian locations, with the best Hungarian crew and stuntmen, and with the help of two young Hungarian equestrian talents, Anna Janik and Roland Kovács. The spectacular equestrian scenes took place at the National Riding Hall.

Some of the biggest international icons and rising stars of show jumping (Angelica Augustin Zanotelli, Christian Ahlmann, Edouard Schmitz, John Whitaker, Katrin Eckermann, Niels Bruynseels, Sanne Thijssen) have come to Budapest to share how they have overcome the challenges and pitfalls of everyday life with determination and perseverance. The dramatic stories of the contestants were brought to the screen by István Kovács, a Young Director Award - Cannes Lions and Student Academy Award—also known as the Oscar for students—winning director. ACG's production partner was GoodKids Production, with Schubert Music handling the soundtrack.

Each episode of the 'Rising Above' series paints a vivid and colorful portrait of the protagonists, who inspire us all by overcoming personal and professional challenges. The cathartic, human stories of these sporting icons can be experienced on a deep, emotional level through their artistic realization.

Series Overview:

"We are thrilled to bring 'Rising Above' to our audience," said Jorge Cunha, Chief Brand Officer and Head of Marketing at Longines Global Champions Tour. "These stories not only celebrate the sport of showjumping but also the indomitable human spirit. Each episode is a testament to the power of perseverance and the extraordinary journeys of our athletes, and we hope to attract a whole new audience."

Episode 1: Rising Above – Manifesto

The opening episode introduces the concept of the entire series, the iconic protagonists, and the dramatic human stories of sporting legends.

Episode 2: Bouncing Back

Launch Date: 26 July 8pm CET

Christian Ahlmann – multiple member of the German national show jumping team, former world ranking leader, World Cup winner, silver medalist in the European Championships, and multiple podium finisher in the European, World, and Olympic Championships.

Learn all about Christian Ahlmann’s journey of resilience and his relentless pursuit of excellence after facing an agonising setback after a fall at Longines Global Champions Tour of Mexico City last year. Follow his journey back to the top and how he managed to mentally triumph over the accident to win his first 5* competition after the accident, the LGCT Grand Prix of Paris.

Episode 3: Proving Them Wrong!

Launch Date: 29 July 8pm CET

Sanne Thijssen – 25-year-old Dutch show jumping rider, FEI Worldchampionship silver medalist in team, and two-time LGCT Grand Prix winner.

Sanne Thijssen's story is one of determination as she defies expectations and proves her critics wrong. Watch Sanne explain how tough it was for her to justify herself to the world after people assumed her success was only because of her star horse, Con Quidam.

Episode 4: Defying Age

Launch Date: 1 August 8pm CET

John Whitaker – 68-year-old English five-time Olympian, Olympic silver medalist, five-time World Championship podium finisher, multiple-time European individual and team champion, and four-time winner of the Hickstead Derby

Legendary showjumper John Whitaker demonstrates that age is just a number in his remarkable career. Take a trip through the years with John and learn his advice for being at the top of the sport for so long.

Episode 5: Finding the Balance

Launch Date: 4 August 8pm CET

Angelica Augustsson Zanotelli – Swedish national show jumping rider, World Cup finalist, and multiple-time European Championship team medalist. Her husband is also a member of the national show jumping team, and they have three young children.

It is believed that competing at the highest level while raising three children is nearly impossible. However, Angelica Augustsson Zanotelli shows that balance world-class sporting performance with motherhood and family life can be done  with the right focus

Episode 6: Becoming an Insider

Launch Date: 7 August 8pm CET

Edouard Schmitz – Swiss team member at the Paris Olympics at the age of 25, GCT (Global Champions Team) winner and FEI Nations Cup winner.

Edouard Schmitz, the Longines Elegance Ambassador, has had a unique journey from an outsider to a key player in the world of show jumping. Thanks to an inclusive community, if you are determined and persistent enough, you can reach the top even without being born into a riding family.

Episode 7: Growing Together

Launch Date: 10 August 8pm CET

Katrin Eckermann – German show jumping rider, European Champion bronze medalist, continental champion in both individual and team events, Grand Prix winner in Hamburg and Surenburg, World Young Horse Championships winner

In showjumping, horse and rider become one body and soul. So what do they experience when they are separated? Katrin Eckermann's life took a significant turn when, due to a mistake, her beloved companion was taken away by the horse's owner. However, this setback only made her stronger. Listening to her story, we can understand how she overcame this career-changing obstacle.

Episode 8: Overcoming Fears 

Launch Date: 13 August 8pm CET

Niels Bruynseels – Belgian Olympic Champion, Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) Grand Prix winner, FEI Nations Cup Final bronze medalist, Rider of the Year in Belgium 

As a child, Niels Bruynseels wasn't sure if show jumping would become his passion. His fascinating, honest story reveals how he overcame his fear of horses and became a true winner, bravely taking risks.

Celebrate with us the amazing stories of courage, determination, and success. Experience the excitement of the 'Rising Above' series and find inspiration to overcome your own obstacles and achieve your goals!

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