CONNECT HAMBURG
Mathilda Karlsson
All geared up for another bite at the cherry – at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles
She is a renowned international equestrian. She was born in Sri Lanka, bred in Sweden and now resides in Germany. And she captured hearts at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo as the first equestrian to represent Sri Lanka with her exceptional horse Chopin VA.
With a deep-rooted love for horses and a passion for philanthropy, Mathilda Karlsson balances her equestrian pursuits with humanitarian endeavours, advocating for education worldwide.
Her journey is adorned with collaborations with leading fashion and lifestyle brands, reflecting a distinctive style both in and out of the arena. With an unwavering dedication to her sport, Karlsson’s sights are set on future Olympic triumphs – indeed, she embodies resilience, compassion and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Q: Can you share your journey and experiences in transitioning from competing for Sweden to representing your native country Sri Lanka?
A: I’ve represented Sweden since I began competing and was part of the Swedish team for a long time; I never considered representing any other country.
But when I visited Sri Lanka for the first time in 2017, I was surprised by how beautiful this little island is and immediately felt a sense of pride that it is where I came from.
This is where I was born; it’s who I am.
I met so many incredible and nice young people, and was amazed by how friendly and interested everyone was in my showjumping career.
So I immediately felt the urge to change my nationality to hopefully inspire more young people to take an interest in the sport I love so much. I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to represent Sri Lanka ever since; it was the best decision I could have made.
When I visited Sri Lanka for the first time in 2017, I was surprised by how beautiful this little island is and immediately felt a sense of pride that it is where I came from
Q: Being the first Sri Lankan equestrian at the Olympic Games is a remarkable achievement. How does it feel to hold such a historic position in the sport?
A: I felt so much pride to represent Sri Lanka as its first equestrian. By doing so at the Olympics in Tokyo, I started opening up the equestrian world to the country and vice versa.
And I continue to receive many messages from young people in the country who have found their passion for horses and the equestrian sport – and this is partly because of the attention it received in Sri Lanka when I qualified for the Olympics.
It makes me so proud!
That’s the biggest achievement of my life; not only representing Sri Lanka at the Olympic Games but opening up my beloved sport and passion for horses to a new part of the world.
Q: Tell us about your horse Chopin VA. What makes him a special partner in your equestrian journey?
A: Chopin VA is so special to me – he’s been with me since he was born and I’ve been his ‘person’ his whole life. I produced him entirely from the beginning. He is my once in a lifetime horse.
We always knew that he was special – not only because of his extreme talent but also because of his kind and intelligent personality. He always gives 110 percent to please me.
We’re kind of an odd couple as he is such a big, powerful and strong stallion… with me as his rider – small and petite. But it works because we know each other so well.
Chopin has always competed with me so he can’t compare me with any other rider. So he probably thinks I’m the best rider in the world and trusts me to the fullest.
Q: What were the key moments and challenges you faced during the qualification process for the 2020 Summer Olympics as an individual rider?
A: To qualify for an Olympic sport, you need to be the best of the best in the world and have a very strong team behind you. The Summer Olympics in Tokyo was the first major championship that I aimed for – and I certainly lacked experience.
I pushed myself too much by taking part in too many competitions during the qualification year (I was away on competition for 44 weeks in 2019). Next time, I’ll know how to make a much more reasonable plan. I gained so much experience during this period and looking back, it was an exhausting but incredible time.
Q: Could you tell us about your experiences negotiating life both in and out of the equestrian field during your brief hiatus from competitive riding – and what areas have you concentrated on lately?
A: It’s been such a busy lifestyle in the last couple of years as I competed around the world with my horses; so I’ve not been able to be home very much. I couldn’t have a family life and obviously didn’t have many friends back home because I was always on the road.
So I have really enjoyed being home for a while. What’s more, I have always known how blessed I’ve been to have grown up in Sweden, where we took education for granted.
In fact, I have been involved in trying to ensure that every child has the right to education for many years. But because of my busy schedule, I couldn’t really involve myself too much in this effort – and now that I have time, I’ve done a lot of humanitarian work for the Red Cross and continued my work with a foundation called Cash and Rocket, which supports a school named Sambadilla in South Africa.
It was also nice to be in Sri Lanka at the invitation of Teardrop Hotels because we share the same values. I hope to learn more about its foundation work for kids and young women – that’s going to be amazing and hopefully, I can help.
Chopin VA is so special to me – he’s been with me since he was born and I’ve been his ‘person’ his whole life
Q: What motivated you to pursue philanthropy – and could you elaborate on any particular initiatives or issues that hold special significance for you?
A: Well, it’s definitely to give back to the world from all the experience that I’ve gained from travelling around the globe. I have seen a lot of different cultures and I’ve been extremely lucky to meet amazing people from all corners of the world.
And I think that it’s something I can bring into the humanitarian work that I do.
I’m good with people, and I really enjoy working with children and young people. And the subject of education is very close to my heart. I really think we can solve many of the problems we face in today’s society by educating young people properly.
Q: How would you inspire and encourage Sri Lankans to pursue equestrian sports?
A: My advice to aspiring equestrians is to work hard – it will pay off. I wasn’t gifted with a talent for showjumping; I’m probably a little too small and didn’t have good feelings for the jumps.
But I probably spend more hours riding and training than many others, and getting to know my horses. If you want to be a good rider, you need to feel your horses’ emotions to be able to help support them.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help and always stay humble but believe in yourself – confidence is everything. Your horses will adapt to your emotions so if you enjoy your ride, they will as well.
My biggest dream and hope is to have a chance to qualify for another Olympic Games – hopefully, Los Angeles
Q: Having won the 2020 Olympic Trot Up Best Dressed title, could you elaborate on how you work with fashion businesses – and how your personal style resonates with these activities?
A: Fashion is my passion. I love fashion; and I think you can tell because I really like to change outfits and styles… and get dressed up. I think the brands can see that as an athlete, I put a lot of value on being fit but also looking great.
Of course, the Olympics was a platform that interested big brands.
I was so honoured to wear Dior for the trot up. We had a slight fitting issue and there was a sense of panic.
The day before, I didn’t really know what to do… but then I remembered I had this beautiful sari from LOVI Ceylon to wear for the opening ceremony.
And I found a tailor in Tokyo who could alter it a little bit so I could actually run with it. And it looked very authentic, obviously because it had that traditional Sri Lankan style. And it was a hit because I won the title!
Q: Looking ahead, what are your goals and aspirations vis-à-vis equestrian sports?
A: Of course, my biggest dream and hope is to have a chance to qualify for another Olympic Games – hopefully, Los Angeles – with the experience I gained from qualifying last time, I know how difficult it could be.
I’m sure that with the right horses and a strong team – and of course, the right sponsors and people behind me – I can make Sri Lanka proud again by participating at the 2028 Summer Olympics in LA.
When I visited Sri Lanka for the first time in 2017, I was surprised by how beautiful this little island is and immediately felt a sense of pride that it is where I came from
Chopin VA is so special to me – he’s been with me since he was born and I’ve been his ‘person’ his whole life
My biggest dream and hope is to have a chance to qualify for another Olympic Games – hopefully, Los Angeles
