Living Legend John Whitaker as Never Seen Before In Rising Above: Defying Age
Longines presents
Rising Above: Episode 4 – John Whitaker, Defying Age
“The sport has changed so much, if you want to move up you have to change
with the times.”
In the fourth instalment of ‘Rising Above’ presented by Longines, equestrian
icon John Whitaker takes the brand new free content series to a whole new
level. Titled ‘Defying Age’ the episode spotlights the extraordinary journey of
John Whitaker, a true living legend in the world of show jumping. At 69 years
old, Whitaker continues to defy expectations, proving that age is just a number
when it comes to competing at the highest level.
In Defying Age, viewers are taken on a deeply personal and inspiring journey
through Whitaker’s career, revealing the secrets behind his enduring success
and the mindset that has kept him at the top of his game for decades. With his
trademark humility and humour, Whitaker shares insights into his remarkable
career, from his early days to his enduring love for the sport, and his ongoing
drive to compete against the best in the world.
“In show jumping, there’s no time to dwell on mistakes. You have to
learn to live with losing, and think about the next competition or the next
day. You need to keep going,” Whitaker reflects, encapsulating
the relentless spirit that has defined his career.
The episode begins with Whitaker reminiscing about his favourite horse, Milton,
a true superstar of the sport. “Milton was my all-time favourite. He wasn’t
a very big horse, but when he went into the arena, he grew.” However, after
Milton, Whitaker faced a challenging period, struggling to find new horses that
could match Milton’s prowess.
With tears in his eyes John let viewers into a side we don’t normally see of
him: “After Milton it was quite difficult. I had a couple of years
where I was a bit down. It was a challenge to get back up to the top again.
Sometimes the hardest thing is to pull yourself together after a bad day and
face the next competition,” he admits.
“mdmar” website for horse races and equestrian News
Defying Age also delves into the physical and mental
challenges Whitaker has faced, including a series of injuries that would have
made many riders consider hanging up their boots. He recounts his fall at the
Longines Global Champions Tour in London on his 62nd birthday, a moment that
could have ended his career. But for Whitaker, giving up was never an option. “If
you start to think about injuries, then it’s time to give up. It’s not going to
work. I think you have to be focused on what you want to do,” he
asserts with conviction.
At 69, with over 100 major titles to his name Whitaker’s passion for the sport
burns as brightly as ever. “People ask me, how long are you going to
carry on riding? I say, I’m feeling good. I’m going to keep going longer,
because I have a new pair of boots,” he quips, showcasing the wit and
determination that have made him a beloved figure in the sport.
The episode crescendos with a powerful affirmation of Whitaker’s enduring
ambition. “My proudest achievement is to compete against all these good
young riders and hold my own. Wait, I haven’t finished yet. I still want to
keep going and winning.” His advice to the younger generation is
simple but profound: “Get over your obstacles in life as quickly as you
can. Try and stay positive, enjoy, and keep going.”
Episode four is a must-watch for anyone seeking inspiration, not just in the
realm of show jumping, but in life. Whitaker’s story is a testament to the
power of perseverance, passion, and the unyielding human spirit.
The Longines Global Champions Tour’s Rising Above series, produced in
partnership with Longines, is quickly becoming a landmark in sports
storytelling. Each episode captures the essence of what it takes to succeed at
the highest levels, offering an intimate look at the lives and careers of some
of the world’s most respected athletes. The series has already garnered
widespread acclaim for its emotional depth and compelling narratives.
John Whitaker’s episode, Defying Age, is now available to stream on YouTube and
all social media channels, providing fans with an unparalleled look at the life
of one of show jumping’s living legends
“mdmar” website for horse races and equestrian News
The “Mdmar” website for horse and equestrian races is keen to cover and follow all competitions related to horses, from show jumping, Horseracing, speed and endurance races, and purebred Arabian horse beauty shows, which belong to the Arab Gulf countries at home and abroad in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and the State of Qatar, the State of Kuwait, the Sultanate of Oman, and the Kingdom of Bahrain.
