The 2026 FEI Vaulting World Championship closed today in true Aachen style. Top class Vaulting, incredible horses and a sold-out stadium of dedicated superfans. Sport and art came together as one. Theo Gardies and Noely Thibaudat landed on top of the world in the Pas de Deux, with Team Germany reclaiming the world title in the official Team competition.

Photo – Team Germany on the podium after winning gold in the official Team competition at the FEI World Championships 2026 – Aachen (GER), Vaulting (©FEI/ Daniel Kaiser)

Germany’s Jannik Heiland and Kimberly Hyks rose through the ranks of the Pas de Deux after their beautifully emotional routine aboard Crashkurs was rewarded with 8.589 points. It was a dream come true as they saw their final score of 8.303 keep the lead again and again. Ultimately, they claimed the bronze medal – a feat they thought impossible after a round one fall.

Rebecca Greggio and Davide Zanella (ITA) too were overcome with emotion as they finished their dynamic programme. After a rollercoaster ride on the way to Aachen, their last-minute decision to team up with untried combination Malleret Romulus TS and Maud Bousignac-Dumont paid off. An 8.982 final score and a silver medal for Italy proof of their incredible vaulting talent.

Tough Act to Follow

The French combination of Theo Gardies and Noely Thibaudat was last into the ring and had a tough act to follow. They held their nerve and showed their style of Pas de Deux, working with Sir Sensation and Sirine Abousaid. Their final score, marginally less than the Italians, was enough from round one to send a first medal in Pas de Deux home to France, winning gold, 9.039.

It was a glorious day for Italy as they swiftly followed up one medal with another. Greggio and Zanella’s dedication unmatched, they competed individually and within the squad for Italy in the official Team competition. Italy was altogether rewarded with 8.771 and the bronze medal.

“We enjoyed it a lot, that was the main point for us and we wanted this. And the crowd helped a lot, super atmosphere,” said Greggio.

Head-to-Head

France and Germany were then head-to-head as it came to the final squad freestyles. France’s Quentin Jabet and Dorian Terrier placing just fractions behind Germany’s Kathrin Meyer and Alice Layher after the individual rounds were complete.

Two completely different styles, two squads packed with talent. A perfect artistic score for Germany confirmed them the top dogs in Vaulting sport right now. The silver medal went to France, 8.996. And the final gold to Germany (9.103) as they top the medal table.

As Germany and France remain completely dominant in Vaulting sport, on this occasion it was Germany who came out on top. The horses have been magnificent, showing true quality and composure, assisting their teams to moments of glory that will go down in history.

FULL RESULTS