While most Aussies enjoying a European summer are likely to spend their time soaking up sun and sipping Aperol Spritz, equestrian athlete and Bond Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Business student Kate Kyros had other ideas successfully cantering her way out of the Young Riders category to make her mark in the open division.
It was Kyros’s second season competing on the European equestrian circuit and her results just keep getting better.
She made history last year when she became the first Australian to ever be the number one ranked FEI Dressage Youth.
The reigning Bond University Sports Person of the Year for both 2023 and 2024 has spent the past six months travelling and competing in five countries with her stallions Intro-K and Chemistry before capping off the season last weekend in Deauville, France where she finished second in the Under 25 Grand Prix.
“My summer season has come to a close after six months of life-changing opportunities,” Kyros said.
“Training and competing in Europe has been the most eye-opening and inspiring experience of my life.”
The highlight of the stellar season was stepping up for her first international event in the open age category.
Not content to just go along for the ride, Kyros placed 7th at the World Equestrian Festival in Aachen, Germany which is often referred to as the ‘Wimbledon’ of equestrian.
“The World Equestrian Festival was definitely a highlight of the season,” Kyros said.
“I was pinching myself the entire week.
“My idols became my rivals as I competed in the open age category alongside seven Olympians.”
Kyros achieved a personal best of 69.382% with Dutch rider and Olympian, Dinja Van Liere clinching gold with a score of 75.294%.
“Achieving a personal best score under lights with a full crowd in the most famous dressage stadium in the world was truly unbelievable.
As to what's next for Kyros, the 21-year-old plans to stay in Europe to make the most of the training and events there.
“Being surrounded by talented horses and riders, I have been constantly driven to improve,” Kyros said.
I am forever grateful to my coach Ton de Ridder, my family and newfound friends for their support.”
“This season is the end of my Young Rider (Under 21) career. Now all focus is on progressing to the Under 25 Grand Prix.”