Returning champions hope for repeat success

The J. Safra Sarasin FEI Vaulting World Cup Final™ returns to Basel (SUI) on 2-5 April 2025, and with it comes last year’s champions ready to defend their titles. 

Germany’s Jannik Heiland and Kathrin Meyer enter strongly with back-to-back wins, while Rebecca Greggio (ITA) and Davide Zanella (ITA) will fight to return to Italy with the Pas de Deux trophy once again.

Male

Jannik faces tough competition in the Male Individual category with master of suave and precision Quentin Jabet (FRA) making his debut at the event. Jabet has triumphed in their last few meetings and will be sure to take advantage of the extra 10 seconds available to boost his artistic score and aim for the lead. He will compete with a different horse – Goldjunge – who is experienced at this level; however, they have never appeared together in competition before.  

Heiland will also compete with a new combination, Rey Rubino and Lars Hansen (GER). Hansen has a wealth of experience under his belt, however Rey Rubino is new to high level competition, which may impact the final results, depending on how he manages with the atmosphere.

Looking closer to home, Thomas Brüsewitz and Julian Wilfling (GER) have both placed well historically and can perform under high pressure. Either could steal Heiland’s title. 

The trophy has never been taken outside of Europe; however, this year North America presents strong contenders. Canadian, creative Talmage Conrad competes at the event for the first time and Daniel Janes (USA) can hope to improve on his 2023 6th place finish. 

Completing the lineup is Davide Zanella (ITA). He has the added benefit of being able to use his individual round to his advantage, to get a feel for the arena, having earned his place in both the Individual and Pas de Deux finals. 

Female

In the Female competition, Kathrin Meyer (GER) has an unbeaten record to protect. However, she too will compete with a different combination: Capitain Claus OLD and Gesa Bührig. They have a successful history, together finishing fourth at the FEI Vaulting World Championship 2022 in Herning (DEN). 

Her main challengers are the USA’s Kimberly Palmer and home favourites Nadja Büttiker (SUI) and Ilona Hannich (SUI). It will be an emotional end either way for Büttiker and Hannich as both will retire after the event. 

Nadja Büttiker is appearing for the 7th time at the Final. The Gold has, as yet been elusive, but if she can capitalise on her experience, she would be a worthy winner. Hannich has a previous 3rd place best finish. Her emotive freestyle scores highly artistically and she will give 100% to her last dance. 

The Technical test/Free test format of the FEI Vaulting World Cup™ Final is well suited to Palmer. Consistently expressive and eye-catching in her routines, she will perform with trusty Rosenstolz 99 and Laura Carnabucci. 
Sema Hornberg (GER) returns to Basel for a second time with teammate Annemie Szemes who will make her first appearance. Ginger Kennett will premier Australia in the Final, alongside Caroline Morse (USA), she completes the debutants and the non-European line up. 

Working together

In the Pas-de-Deux competition there are scores to settle.  Italy’s Rebecca Greggio and Davide Zanella will battle once again with 2024 World Champions, Germany’s Diana Harwardt and Peter Künne. Only 0.047 separated the pair in 2024 in a spectacular finish. With even more at stake for both couples it is a fight not to be missed.

Gisa Sternberg and Linda Otten (GER) will make their debut, but they too face tough competition from Switzerland’s experienced combinations; Zoe Maruccio and Syra Schmid, and Li Laffer and Ilona Hannich. Maruccio and Schmid have placed 2nd and 3rd in previous finals but have never yet finished on top and both couples will have the home crowd cheering them on. 

With the best quality vaulting on offer, nothing is guaranteed until the final athlete performs. As always, the quality of the horses and the ability to remain relaxed in a high-pressure environment will have a major impact. They will have to give everything in Basel if they want to return home victorious.

Image: Kathrin Meyer (GER) with San Classico S OLD during the FEI Vaulting World CupTM Final 2024 in Basel (SUI). © FEI / Liz Gregg