The Federation of Equestrian Sports in Russia has announced the names of the team for the dressage competitions at the Tokyo Olympics. Tatiana Kosterina and Diavolessa will start in the Russian team. In addition to Tatiana, Inessa Merkulova and Aleksandra Maksakova have been named for the team. Maria Shuvalova will ride as a reserve.
Under the critical gaze of the Russian national coach, Tatiana and Dia introduce themselves in Kronberg
The CDI4* tournament in Kronberg last weekend was the last test for the final determination of the Russian team. The national coach Alexandra Korelowa had travelled from Moscow for it. Tatiana and Dia were able to convince in the Grand Prix Special. On Sunday, the coach flew back and the consultations in Moscow began.
Under the new rules, the national teams will only be made up of three pairs. A fourth pair now rides as a reserve in the event that a horse or rider isn’t able to start.
Tatiana and Dia will definitely contest the Grand Prix on Saturday, July 24, or the following Sunday. The Grand Prix is considered a qualification for the Grand Prix Special and for the freestyle. The top eight teams out of 15 compete against each other in the Special. The 185 best individual riders qualify for the freestyle.
On July 6th it starts already. The Western European equestrian couples meet for a quarantine in Aachen. From there they take the plane to Japan. This is the longest flight for Dia after her flights to Tryon, Moscow and Doha. Tatiana is accompanied by her long-time groom Alina Wipich. Japan has not allowed further accompaniment because of the corona danger. We wish them all the best and much success.
