Mimi Gochman (USA) took home the 2023 Longines FEI Rising Star Award, created to recognise young athletes between the ages of 14 and 21 who demonstrate outstanding equestrian sporting talent.

FEI Awards Gala presented by Longines 2023, Mexico City (MEX). Mimi Gochman, Longines Rising Star (USA), US Equestrian Director of FEI Sport, Hallye Griffin and US Equestrian president Thoma O’Mara . Copyright of FEI / Liz Gregg.

The 19-year-old Jumping sensation from New York City, has already made her mark on the international stage with three senior FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ team appearances. Mimi has come into her own during the 2023 season, placing fourth in the FEI Jumping U25 Rankings and earning top three results at several CSI5* level competitions. With her sights set firmly on the Olympic Games in Paris 2024, the young Rising Star is also currently pursuing a degree at USA’s Ivy League school Brown University.

Longines International Sponsorship and Event Manager Michael Vuilleumier presented Mimi with the Longines FEI Rising Star Award and an elegant timepiece from the FEI’s Top Partner.

“Winning the Longines FEI Rising Star Award is an extreme honour and I’m super grateful to be here,” Mimi said.

“Riding means everything to me. It’s the thing I’ve been doing my whole entire life and for which I’m very grateful. I’ve always had a connection to horses. I think they’re incredible animals, and I’m lucky enough to spend my time with them. This sport has taught me a lot of valuable life lessons, and I hope to continue it as long as I can. Horses are very intelligent and when you make that relationship with them, a deep relationship, they work extremely hard to win with you.”