Longines presents the new “Rising Above” series

Longines, the Title Partner and Official Timekeeper of the Longines Global Champions Tour and LGCT, is proud to announce the launch of an inspirational new content series entitled “Rising Above”. Produced by the Longines Global Champions Tour in partnership with Longines, the series is dedicated to showcasing the incredible journeys of the world’s best showjumpers as they overcome obstacles on and off the track.

Rising Above explores the concept of perseverance and shows how determination and resilience can overcome life’s hurdles. Through powerful storytelling and compelling narratives, each episode paints a vivid portrait of our main characters, transforming them into true heroes who inspire us with their victories over personal and professional challenges.

With Rising Above, a significant investment to expand the showjumping fanbase, ACG, developed and produced by Hungary’s leading independent creative agency, aims to reach new audiences beyond the traditional equestrian community. By focusing on universally relatable human stories, the series aims to reach viewers on a deeper emotional level, showcasing the dramatic and inspirational aspects of the sport through the lens of personal triumphs and struggles.

Series overview:

Episode 1: Rising Above – Manifest
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The Manifest is the first episode of the series and introduces the heroes, their stories and the concept of the entire series. Sit back and enjoy a taste of what’s coming to your screens for free in July…

Episode 2: Christian Ahlmann – Bouncing Back
Start date: July 26, 20:00 CET

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

Episode 3: Sanne Thijssen – Proof that they are wrong
Start date: July 29, 8pm CET

Sanne Thijssen’s story is one of determination to exceed expectations and prove her critics wrong. Watch Sanne explain how hard it was for her to justify herself to the world after people assumed her success was only down to her star horse Con Quidam.

Episode 4: John Whitaker – Defying Age
Start date: August 1, 8pm CET

Legendary showjumper John Whitaker’s remarkable career proves that age is just a number. Join John as he journeys through the years and hears his advice on staying at the top of the sport for so long.

Episode 5: Angelica Augustin Zanotelli – Finding the balance
Start date: August 4, 20:00 CET

Angelica Augustin Zanotelli strives to balance her professional ambitions with her personal life. Having three children and competing at the highest level takes its toll. Find out how Angelica does it.

Episode 6: Edouard Schmitz – On the way to becoming an insider
Start date: August 7, 20:00 CET

Longines Ambassador of Elegance Edouard Schmitz’s journey from outsider to major player in the world of showjumping is unique. You don’t have to be born into an equestrian family to make it to the top, and Edouard explains how welcoming the showjumping community is.

Episode 7: Katrin Eckermann – Growing together
Start date: August 10, 20:00 CET

The story of Katrin Eckermann and her horses, who grew up and enjoyed success together, was hit hard by her previous owner’s decision to take the horses away from her. But that only made her stronger. Hear how she overcame this career-changing obstacle.

Episode 8: Niels Bruynseels – Overcoming fears
Start date: August 13, 8pm CET

As a child, Niels Bruynseels didn’t know if showjumping was his heart. His battle against his fear of horses is a gripping journey. Find out more about his victory.

“We are thrilled to bring ‘Rising Above’ to our audience,” said Jorge Cunha, Chief Brand Officer and Marketing Director of the Longines Global Champions Tour. “These stories celebrate not only the sport of showjumping, but also the indomitable human spirit. Each episode is a testament to the endurance and extraordinary journeys of our athletes, and we hope to reach a whole new audience.”

Get early access:

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Join us in celebrating remarkable stories of courage, determination and triumph. Experience Rising Above and be inspired to overcome your own obstacles, no matter how daunting they may seem.