Sweden failed to qualify for the final, but was still invited to the prestigious competition after another nation withdrew.

- Saying yes was obvious.

It's about the final of the national show jumping series, a very nice and tough competition and also another good gauge against the best nations," says Ankarcrona in a press release.

Building for the future

In Herning in August, the quartet Henrik von Eckermann, Peder Fredricson, Malin Baryard Johnsson and Jens Fredricson followed up the Olympic gold in Tokyo by also becoming world team champions.

In Barcelona at the weekend, a group of riders just behind the stars get their chance.

The Swedish teams:

Linda Heed on Laurien van Orshof, Irma Karlsson/Chaconnu, Evelina Tovek/Winnetou de la Hamente, Wilma Hellström/Cicci and Stephanie Holmén/Flip's Little Sparrow.

- There are riders who have performed very well all year.

Several of these riders have also ridden the Nations Cup's first division this year and fought to take Sweden to the final, so it's fun and right that they now ride it too.

Through that, we also continue to build for the future when the opportunity exists, says the union captain, says Henrik Ankarcrona.

Third final

Stephanie Holmén makes her third final in Barcelona.

- It is a favorite competition because it is top sport against the absolute best at a very nice competition venue.

It's a fantastic opportunity that we get to go there again this year, I'm very excited, she says.

The final begins with a qualifier.

The top eight nations advance to Sunday's decider.

- We will work for good rounds and through that try to get to the final.

If we can get there, it's great fun, and then we'll see from there, says Henrik Ankarcrona.

CLIP: Here Jens Fredricson secures a WC gold for Sweden (August 13, 2022)

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The gold team with Peder Fredricson, Malin Baryard Johnsson, Jens Fredricson and Henrik von Eckermann.

Photo: Bildbyrån

SVT broadcasts from the Nations Cup final on Sunday at 15:00 in SVT1.