MD Team Rider Ioli Mytilineou has qualified for the Olympics 2024 and we are beyond proud and excited for her. She is also Greece’s second-ever equestrian to do so. The first one? Her mother - exactly 20 years ago. We talked to Ioli about how she got here, and what it means to represent Greece at the 2024 Olympics. 🇬🇷

How would you describe the journey that led you to qualify for the Olympics? 
– It has taken a lot of hard work, dedication, and patience to make it a reality. Prioritizing my horse's needs and focusing on specific events was the only approach I considered. I was confident in the way in which I wanted to make it happen but, of course, I wondered if it would be successful. Fortunately, this method worked out for me!

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced along the way?
– One of the biggest challenges I faced was learning to block out the competition. When qualifying as an individual, you have to be in the top two of your league by the end of the year preceding the Games. This means consistently earning more points than your competitors. It was challenging to remain focused, and not think about what everyone else was doing. However, I quickly realized that I should focus my attention on the things that were within my control; if I aimed to put my best foot forward every day, and better myself and my horses, the results would eventually come.

Competing in the Olympics is a dream for many athletes. What does it mean to you personally to finally be here, representing your country on this global stage?
– It ranks extremely high on the list of my achievements and it is great to be able to give back to a country that provided me with the opportunities that it did whilst growing up there. It’s also an achievement that I can share with every member of my team; when my qualification was confirmed, not only did I fulfill my own dreams, but the dreams of many others around me. Representing Greece on a global stage of this magnitude is an honor and one that I wish to relive many more times! 

“It’s a special achievement to share and I hope that the legacy can continue through generations.”

How does it feel to be the first Greek rider in 20 years to compete and to be following in your mother's footsteps?
–  Although I was too young to remember my mother being a part of the Greek national team during the Athens Olympics in 2004, I am aware that it was one of the toughest Olympics to date, making us especially proud of her participation and achievement. Since she was an Olympic contender exactly 20 years ago, this year’s qualification is all the more special, and whilst it is a huge milestone for the whole country, it’s an even bigger one for our family. It’s a special achievement to share and I hope that the legacy can continue through generations.

Can you share a bit about your training regimen in preparation for the Olympics? 
–  My training as we come close to the Olympics does not, and will not, differ from any other championship or big show. I always try to have my horses mentally relaxed and physically fresh. Keeping stress levels low allows for the body to work better, which in turn leads to higher physical fitness and career longevity. I will allow for time in the field, as well as trips to the forest, to create a low-stress environment. The happier they are, the happier I am!

“Pressure is not something that I avoid, but rather something that I strive to use to my advantage.”

What aspect of the sport do you find the most exhilarating when competing at the elite level? How do you manage the pressure and excitement?
– Pressure is not something that I avoid, but rather something that I strive to use to my advantage. It’s always going to be there, so why not make it a friend as opposed to a foe? I often remind myself that in the ring, it’s just me and my horse. If I create a good rhythm and am in balance, I’m halfway there. 

How do you think your career inspires younger generations of riders?
–  In Greece, the popularity of the sport is not an issue but those involved in the sport lack the confidence to strive for their dreams - possibly because they don’t see many athletes representing the country at a high level. For this reason, I hope my career path can inspire the younger Greek generation to follow their dreams.

I also hope that my journey can be relatable to younger people around the world, as there was no magic involved in creating the career I now have. I overcame a lot of setbacks with my eagerness and willingness to be better. But there was also, no doubt, some luck involved, which I will always be grateful for. Luck without hard work won’t get you anywhere, but the combination of both can get you everywhere.

“With a sport like ours and its ever-changing nature, flexibility must be our best friend.”

Looking beyond the 2024 Olympics, what are your aspirations in equestrian sports? 
–  Like most athletes, I have the big goals I aspire to achieve, with a rough idea of what it could take to get there. However, with a sport like ours and its ever-changing nature, flexibility must be our best friend. And a plan can only be executed to its utmost potential if the welfare of our horses allows for it. Luckily, there is always a lot happening in our sport, so long-term goals are not hard to come by. Some of them are: 

• The 2025 Europeans 

• The 2026 WEG - that will come around quicker than we think. 

• The Rolex Grand Slam series. It’s one I would like to pursue at some stage, as it is one of the pinnacles of our sport. It combines a string of the world’s best shows, which I am keen to be a part of.
  
  

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We can’t wait to see what’s next for Ioli - at the Olympics and beyond. Want to get to know her better? Check out another interview with her. Or, check out her tips for goal setting.