Ilona Hannich: Vaulting Her Way Through Dreams and Determination

Ilona Hannich, a Swiss equestrian vaulter, won a bronze medal in the 2023 European Championships. She is, an accomplished vaulter, has firmly established herself as a standout figure in the world of equestrian sports. In the European Championships held in 2023, Ilona showcased her exceptional talent and determination by securing an impressive four medals. Her outstanding performance in various categories, including Team, Individual, and Pas-de-Deux, attests to her versatility and mastery in the discipline of vaulting.

Her career has been highlighted by her participation in the prestigious World Equestrian Games in Tryon 2018. This global platform serves as a testament to her dedication and skill, as she competes at the highest level of equestrian excellence. Ilona’s achievements underscore her status as a prominent athlete, making her a formidable force in the world of vaulting.

In the mesmerizing world where athleticism converges with grace, She an accomplished equestrian vaulter from Switzerland, weaves a tale of unwavering passion, tenacious perseverance, and profound personal growth. Her journey, initiated at the tender age of eight, unfolds as a narrative rich in dedication, triumphs, and unexpected tribulations.

Ilona’s introduction to vaulting was akin to discovering a destiny written in the pages of a horse magazine. “I read about vaulting in a horse magazine, and I immediately knew that this was it,” she recalls, harking back to the moment when her equine passion found its artistic expression. Her love for horses, a foundation predating her vaulting pursuits, laid the groundwork for a journey that seamlessly blended athleticism and equestrian finesse.

“I was really fascinated by horses as a child, so I always wanted to ride,” she shares, elucidating the early origins of her profound connection with these majestic animals. The magnetic pull of vaulting became evident as Ilona transitioned from a spectator to an active participant, setting the stage for a journey that would span various equestrian disciplines.

As with many athletes, Ilona’s trajectory to the summit of vaulting wasn’t an instantaneous ascent but rather a gradual climb marked by dedication and discipline. “I think I just made step-by-step progress, and I was always really disciplined and worked a lot,” she reflects, underscoring the incremental nature of her rise in the vaulting world. Her journey saw pivotal moments, including joining the national team at the age of 15 and participating in the World Equestrian Games in Tryon in 2018.

Amidst the adrenaline-pumping routines and glittering achievements, Ilona emphasizes the profound connection she forms with her equine partners. “For me, the connection doesn’t only start or end with the training; that’s kind of a smaller part,” she shares. Her training methods extend beyond the conventional, delving into the intricate world of groundwork, where she engages in basic exercises to enhance the horse’s balance, muscle utilization, and overall well-being.

“It’s really important for me to form the connection and also to really trust the horses. And this just takes time, also to learn to get to know the personality and to know how a horse reacts,” Ilona elaborates. This commitment to understanding the nuances of each horse’s temperament and physicality speaks volumes about her dedication to the holistic partnership between athlete and equine companion.

“At the core of my journey are my team members from Lütisburg,” Ilona affirms, shedding light on the camaraderie that fuels her pursuit of excellence. The squad, a collective of talented individuals, shares the joys and challenges of vaulting, creating an environment where training transcends routine and becomes a shared passion. “We have really good vibes, so it’s also so fun to train with them,” she adds, emphasizing the importance of a positive and supportive training environment.

She has a master’s degree in health psychology and behavioural medicine from the University of Bern in Switzerland.

Achievements:

• 2024 World Championship Stood 3rd in Team event held from 15th to 21st July 2024 at Bern Switzerland
• 2024 World Championship Stood 3rd in Individual event held from 15th to 21st July 2024 at Bern Switzerland
• 2022 World Championship Stood 3rd in Individual event held from 5th to 14th August 2022 at Herning, Denmark
• 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games Stood 9th in Individual event held from 11th to 23rd September 2018 at Tryon NC USA

Women Fitness President Ms. Namita Nayyar catches up with Ilona Hannich an exceptionally talented and accomplished, Swiss equestrian vaulter. Here she talks about her fitness regime, diet and success story.

Namita Nayyar:

Where were you born and had your early education? Equestrian vaulting is most often described as gymnastics and dance on horseback. You joined the Switzerland national team at the age of fifteen years and participated in the World Equestrian Games in Tryon in 2018. This later propelled your career to the height where you have been a world leading equestrian vaulting athlete. Tell us more about your professional journey of exceptional hard work, tenacity, and endurance?

Ilona Hannich:

I was born and raised near the capital city of Bern, Switzerland. I did all my education in Bern which was first high school and then psychology studies (a bachelor’s and master’s degree) at the university of Bern. My journey in vaulting was truly one of perseverance and endurance. I slowly but steadily worked my way up until the world’s top. The World Equestrian Games in Tryon 2018 were a major event for me, surely one of the milestones I remember well.

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