Wim Verwimp and Jedai de Massa Finish Fourth in the World with Team Belgium and Qualify for Los Angeles 2028
The FEI Dressage World Championships in Aachen produced mixed emotions for Wim Verwimp and Jedai de Massa. Individually, the Grand Prix did not go as Wim had hoped, but as a member of Team Belgium he was ultimately able to celebrate an outstanding team performance. Belgium finished fourth on 223.044% and secured direct team qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Germany claimed the world title, ahead of Great Britain and Denmark.
A special return to the highest level
Simply being present in Aachen meant a great deal to Wim and the entire Dressuurstal Verwimp team. It had been seventeen years since Wim last competed at a major international championship. In 2009, he represented Belgium at the European Championships in Windsor with Maxwil V. After a ten-year absence from international competition, Wim made his comeback with Jedai de Massa in 2024. Two years later, the combination entered the impressive Main Stadium in Aachen together.
Wim and the twelve-year-old bay PSH gelding Jedai de Massa, by Don Juan de Hus out of a dam by Galopin de la Font and bred by Sylvain Massa, competed on the opening day. The combination showed several beautiful moments, including expressive passage and strong piaffe work. However, the atmosphere of the imposing stadium created some tension throughout the test, preventing Wim and Jedai from showing the relaxation and ease they had already demonstrated several times earlier this season.
The judges awarded the test a score of 68.121%, placing Wim and Jedai 52nd in the individual standings.
Afterwards, Wim reflected honestly and critically on his performance:
“I am mainly disappointed in myself, especially because I know there was more in it!”
Because Wim knows the quality Jedai possesses and the level they are capable of reaching together, the test felt like a missed opportunity. However, the disappointment of the individual result was balanced by the pride of representing Belgium at a global championship again after seventeen years.
Team Belgium climbs to an impressive fourth place
On the second day of competition, the Belgian team made an impressive climb up the standings. Jeroen Devroe and Lestor scored 69.690%, while Larissa Pauluis and Flambeau achieved 72.469%. Belgium’s campaign was concluded by Justin Verboomen and Zonik Plus, who delivered a phenomenal score of 80.885% to finish second in the individual Grand Prix.
In a team of four combinations, the three highest scores count towards the team classification. The performances of Justin Verboomen, Larissa Pauluis and Jeroen Devroe brought Belgium’s total to 223.044%, securing fourth place in the world and the coveted Olympic team qualification.
Proud of Wim, Jedai and the entire team
At Dressuurstal Verwimp, the overwhelming feeling is one of pride. Not every test goes as hoped, particularly in a stadium with the size and atmosphere of Aachen. Nevertheless, after a remarkable journey, Wim and Jedai once again competed together at the highest international level. Following their Belgian title, their victory in the Grand Prix Special in Lier and several strong international results, the World Championships marked another valuable chapter in their partnership.
The fact that Wim was part of the Belgian team that finished fourth in the world and secured Belgium’s place in the team competition at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games makes this championship even more special.
A special word of thanks goes to Eon Jin Chin and J-Tack Korea for their trust in Wim, Jedai and Dressuurstal Verwimp. We would also like to sincerely thank Wim’s coach, Jan Nivelle, with whom he forms a strong team, as well as all team members, support staff, grooms and supporters who stand behind this combination and the Belgian dressage team. Finally, we would like to thank the sponsors of Dressuurstal Verwimp, Equilannoo, Lydia Dehertoghe, Albion Saddlemakers Co. Ltd. and Foran, for their valuable support.
Proud of Wim and Jedai. Proud of Team Belgium. Onwards to Los Angeles 2028!
