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Martin Fuchs will soon be fighting for a medal at the World Show Jumping Championships. His girlfriend Paris Sellon keeps his fingers crossed for him.
Martin Fuchs is number 2 in the world rankings in show jumping. In 2018 he became Vice World Champion, the following year he was crowned European Champion and two years later Vice European Champion. For several years he has been at the top of the world elite in show jumping – and that at only 30 years old.
Another major tournament is on the agenda for next week: the Show Jumping World Championships (WM) in Herning, Denmark. Fuchs arrives as a big favorite, his goal is clear: a medal.
Martin Fuchs on course for success
Things are also going well privately for the show jumper who lives in Wängi (TG). He has been with American show jumper Paris Sellon for five years. She has also turned her hobby into a profession, so both of them can be found at tournaments on almost 40 weekends a year.
“We try to adapt our tournament plans to each other,” says Fuchs: “That way we can support each other. I like it very much when Paris is with me at the tournament.” It’s always a nice feeling when you stand by your side.
I’m more nervous when Paris is on the course than when I’m riding myself.
Paris Sellon is originally from Los Angeles. She is the daughter of the US television director James Burrows, who directed the series “Friends” and “Will and Grace”, among others.
Sellon knew early on that she wanted to devote her life to horses: “My mother took me to the stables when I was a baby and put me on a horse when I was two years old. After that I’d rather be in the stable than anywhere else. The rest is history.”
Legend:
Paris Sellon in 2013 with her father, director James Burrows.
Getty Images
Paris Sellon and Martin Fuchs don’t just work as a couple privately. Fuchs coaches his girlfriend at tournaments. Which can sometimes be nerve-racking for him: “I’m more nervous when Paris is on the course than when I’m riding myself. I no longer have it in my hands and can’t do anything but keep my fingers crossed.”
But next it’s up to Paris Sellon to keep his fingers crossed if Martin Fuchs is going to win the hoped-for title at the world championship. He will saddle his gray gelding Leone Jei for this. With him he won the Grand Prix at the French five-star tournament in Dinard last weekend. And proves once again that he is one of the big favorites for the world championship title.