Ilona Hannich will compete at the FEI World Vaulting Female Championships for Switzerland. Get to know her in our mini interview!
1. Please describe yourself in three words.
> Motivated
> Open-minded
> Conscientious
2. Who are your team members?
Lunger: Alana Sohm, Horse: Dynamite TS, Vaulter: Ilona Hannich
3. How did you experience the qualification process? What were your challenges on the way to the Championships?
It was exciting, being newly on Dynamite which we bought from Sweden, and also running the qualification with Team Lütisburg. Dynamite came in January, so there was not much time to prepare together for the big competitons. That was a challenge, as he is a horse who needs to build trust and know the vaulter & lunger well. It‘s even greater to see the progress we made in such a short time, that makes me proud and even more excited. 🙂
4. What was your best (or funniest) vaulting moment?
More than I can count. But the WEG in Tryon 2018 was one of the most amazing experiences.
5. What do you expect from the World Championships 2022? What are your goals?
To reach my potential in every round, to fully enjoy my programmes and vaulting on Dynamite.
6. What’s your freestyle theme 2022 and why?
Freestyle: The dark & heavy emotions. The last years have been a rollercoaster with losing my dad, still always going on, being hard on myself, playing roles I‘ve always played – despite being really tired. I fought a lot with each of the emotions I name in my freestyle. At some point I kind of got it – that it‘s a big relief to actually feel and value those emotions instead of running away. There‘s also a certain pride in allowing weakness, in having gone through those times and being where I am today.
Technical Test: Sounds of Kenya. It‘s music full of life and joy which gives me an amazing feeling. The track is from the Swiss artist „Cee-Ro“ – all the sounds in it were recorded in Kenya. The music video and also his other videos are really worth watching!
