Despite a strong showing at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, equestrian athlete Jessica Springsteen will not represent the United States in the upcoming Paris Games.
Jessica Springsteen, the accomplished equestrian and daughter of legendary rock star Bruce Springsteen, has had her Olympic aspirations for the Paris Games dashed. The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) recently unveiled its jumping team for the Paris Olympics, and Springsteen's name was notably absent from the roster.
Veteran riders Kent Farrington, Laura Kraut, and McLain Ward were selected to represent the US in the three qualifying spots, while Karl Cook was named as the team's alternate. Springsteen's omission from the team comes as a disappointment after her impressive performance at the Tokyo Olympics, where she helped the US team secure a silver medal alongside Kraut and Ward.
Olympic Hopes Dashed: Jessica Springsteen Misses Out on Paris Bid
Springsteen had appeared to be on track for a second Olympic appearance, having been named to the US Jumping Team's short list for the Olympics in April. However, her ranking in the sport has declined since her success in Tokyo, where she was ranked 14th in the world. According to the International Federation of Equestrian Sports (FEI), Springsteen currently sits 127th in the world rankings.
In contrast, Farrington, Ward, Kraut, and Cook all hold higher rankings than Springsteen, with Farrington ranked 6th, Ward 15th, Kraut 35th, and Cook 23rd.
Olympic Hopes Dashed: Jessica Springsteen Misses Out on Paris Bid
Springsteen has expressed her desire to continue competing in hopes of reaching the Olympics again. "Tokyo 2020 was such an incredible experience," she said in an interview with Harper's Bazaar in May, "but because of that year and all the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, you know, you couldn't have your family and your friends there. So I was like, 'Oh my gosh, I would love to go to another Olympics and be able to share that with my family, who've been so supportive of my career for so many years.'"
Springsteen's father, Bruce Springsteen, had even set aside a two-week block in his touring schedule during the Olympics. Although the reason for the break was not officially stated, it would have allowed him to witness his daughter's Olympic performance had she made the team.
Olympic Hopes Dashed: Jessica Springsteen Misses Out on Paris Bid
Despite her disappointment, Springsteen remains a highly accomplished equestrian. She has won numerous accolades, including the prestigious Grand Prix of Aachen in 2014. She is also a role model for young equestrians and an inspiration to aspiring athletes around the world.
