Tokyo 2020: Team Ireland profiles - Heike Holstein (Equestrian)

Holstein has learned from one of the all-time greats of dressage

Irish dressage rider Heike Holstein .Photograph: Bryan O’Brien/The Irish Times
Irish dressage rider Heike Holstein .Photograph: Bryan O’Brien/The Irish Times

Age: 49

Sport: Dressage

Olympic Horse: Sambuca

Holstein has represented Ireland at three previous Olympic Games as an individual in the discipline of dressage (Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000 and Athens in 04). She is also a Horse Sport Ireland level 3 coach and has bred and produced her Irish horse Sambuca up to Grand Prix level. Her mother, Gisela Holstein, is a list one international dressage judge. She trained with seven-time Olympic medalist Dr Reiner Klimke for many years as his only pupil. Living in Germany gave her the opportunity to travel to many shows on the European circuit and learn from one of the all-time greats of dressage.

Ian O'Riordan

Ian O'Riordan

Ian O'Riordan is an Irish Times sports journalist writing on athletics