Le Mondial du Lion has lost one of its greatest ambassadors

17Feb

Le Mondial du Lion has lost one of its greatest ambassadors.

Last night, La Biosthétique Sam passed away. His name will forever be linked to the history of eventing… and to that of the Mondial du Lion.

The Mondial du Lion : The first major milestone

This is where it all began. In 2006, as a six-year-old, Sam took the silver medal at the Mondial du Lion. In 2007, as a seven-year-old, he confirmed his status with another silver medal. Two consecutive podiums. A talent already evident. A trajectory launched. At Le Lion-d’Angers, he showed early on what would become his signature: consistency, intelligence, and controlled power.

A unique record in the history of eventing

A few years later, Sam became a legend. He became the only horse to win three major individual gold medals:

  • Gold at the 2010 World Equestrian Games

  • Gold at the 2012 Summer Olympics

  • Gold at the 2016 Summer Olympics

He was also the first horse to simultaneously hold the World, Olympic, and European titles. An unprecedented feat. Exceptional consistency at the highest level.

Seven times at the top of 5-star events

Under Michael Jung, Sam left his mark on the greatest international competitions in 5-star events:

  • Luhmühlen – Winner in 2009

  • Burghley – Winner in 2015

  • Badminton – Winner in 2016, 2nd in 2013 and 2017, and 10th in 2018

In total, Sam finished seven 5-star events, including three major victories. A remarkable longevity.

An extraordinary journey

Born in 2000, a BAD-WÜ (Baden-Württemberg) gelding by Stan the Man and Halla (by Heraldik), bred by Gunter Seitter, Sam had actually been rejected in 2002 by the Marbach stallion licensing committee, judged as “lacking quality.” History proved them wrong!

In 2018, he retired to the Jung family stables, where he continued to be ridden and cared for like the true champion he was.

An enduring legacy at the Mondial du Lion

For the Mondial du Lion, Sam is more than just an Olympic champion. He is the perfect illustration of what our event reveals: young horses capable of becoming global benchmarks. His journey serves as a reminder that Le Lion is often the first chapter of the greatest stories.

Today, the entire Mondial du Lion team sends its thoughts to Michael Jung, his owners, his breeders, and all those who accompanied Sam throughout his life. His name will remain etched in the history of the Mondial du Lion and in the history of world eventing.