Marija Jukneviciute, 17, has clinched a bronze medal in her native Lithuania in the National Indoor Show Jumping Championships.
A Lower Sixth pupil at Plymouth College, Marija was one of fifteen riders to qualify for the 2-day event, which involved jumping at 1.3 metres and 1.4 metres. Competing on 6-year-old stallion, Liverpulis, her competitors were all professionals at least 10 years her senior.
Marija has been riding for nine years and her goal is to take part in the 2012 and/or 2016 Olympics. After completing her A Levels she hopes to study for a BSC (Hons) degree in Equine Management at The Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester.
Her other passion, acting, has had to take a back seat recently although she already has three films under her belt, the most notable part being Helen Mirren’s lady-in-waiting in Elizabeth I – she was also the riding stunt double for the leading lady in Dungeons and Dragons II.
Marija’s next event is the Lithuanian Open Show Jumping Championships (Buddelei Cup) at the end of June, where she will be riding Liverpulis, Samolo and Lux Perpetua.
“I was really pleased with my bronze medal, particularly because of the experienced field I was competing against”, said Marija. “Hopefully I can do as well at the Open Championships in June.”
13/05/2008
For further information please contact Stephi Baker on 01752 203241
