Malin Baryard Johnsson: 'I envy the youthful folly'

Malin Baryard Johnsson, a prominent figure in Swedish equestrian sports, is marking three decades of competing at the highest level. At 51, she remains an active and successful show jumper, a rarity in a sport often dominated by younger athletes.

"Many I compete against are in their 20s and are a bit wild and crazy," Baryard Johnsson remarked. "Sometimes they do things that make you think 'wow.' That in itself is inspiring. It makes me test a few crazy things sometimes too. At the same time, my experience means I have a pretty good idea of when the right moment is to do it."

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Many I compete against are in their 20s and are a bit wild and crazy. Sometimes they do things that make you think 'wow.' That in itself is inspiring. It makes me test a few crazy things sometimes too. At the same time, my experience means I have a pretty good idea of when the right moment is to do it.

Reflecting on her career, she recalled her surprise third-place finish in the World Cup European Final in 1996, which led to a wildcard entry for the final in Geneva. She went on to make her Olympic debut just months later. "I think I was 25–30 years old when I said in an interview that when I'm 50, I'm definitely not competing. Now I'm 51, so I was wrong there," she said with a laugh.

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I think I was 25–30 years old when I said in an interview that when I'm 50, I'm definitely not competing. Now I'm 51, so I was wrong there.

Baryard Johnsson credits her continued participation to her enduring passion for the sport and her ability to maintain peak performance. "As long as I still find it this fun, and can continue to do the job well, I will keep going," she stated. She also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete for so long, acknowledging that many athletes in other sports are forced to retire due to age.

While her long-time partner, the 18-year-old mare Indiana, is being carefully managed and will not compete in further championships, Baryard Johnsson is actively nurturing the next generation of horses. She is working with several promising mares at the 150-level, preparing them for future Grand Prix competitions, a process she finds deeply rewarding despite the inherent uncertainties.

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As long as I still find it this fun, and can continue to do the job well, I will keep going.