Belgian team junior rider Jorinde Verwimp became the runner up in the Belgian Talent of the Year 2012 competition, which was won by Belgian Grand Prix show jumper and young rider Olivier Philippaerts. The competition is run by the Flemmish Equestrian Federation (VLP).
Philippaerts succeeds his 18-year old twin brother Nicola Philippaerts, who was Belgian Talent of the Year 2011. In 2010 Grand Prix dressage rider Julie de Deken won.
Olivier Philippaerts received the most votes from the Belgian equestrian press, while junior rider Verwimp got the most votes from the public. With all votes counted Philippaerts became the winner of the title and a 7,500 euro check, while Verwimp finished second.
The 18-year old Belgian junior rider Jorinde Verwimp has been a steady member of the Belgian pony and junior riders' team over the past few years. Trained by her father, Belgian Grand Prix rider Wim Verwimp, and additionally coached by Anky van Grunsven, Jorinde became 2012 Belgian Junior Riders Champion aboard her Dutch warmblood Tiamo (by Lester x Hemmingway). She was the highest placing Belgian at the 2012 European Junior Riders Championships, finishing 13th in the Kur to Music Finals.
Related Links
Julie de Deken, Belgian Talent of the Year 2010
Arl, Verwimp, Waelkens, Devroe Win 2012 Belgian Dressage Championships
Scores: 2012 European Junior and Young Riders Championships
Belgian Teams Selected for 2012 European Junior and Young Riders Championships