Christian Kukuk withdraws from German national equestrian team

Olympic gold medalist Christian Kukuk and his horse, Checker, have withdrawn from the German national equestrian team. The decision follows a dispute regarding Kukuk's non-nomination for the World Championships in Aachen by national coach Otto Becker.

Kukuk expressed surprise at the decision, citing a “Vertrauensbruch” (breach of trust) due to conflicting prior agreements with the coach. Following the disagreement, Kukuk has largely been competing in the United States. His absence has been noted in recent high-profile international competitions, including events in Canada, France, and the Nations League final in Barcelona.