Tokyo Olympics 2020 Mathilda Karlsson: First Sri Lankan to qualify for the Games

By Shannon Nicholas

Show jumping rider Mathilda Karlsson has qualified for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games representing the Equestrian event, becoming the first Sri Lankan to qualify for the 2020 Games as well as the first equestrian representing Sri Lanka in an Olympic Event.  

 Last year, the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) cancelled the ranking points awarded at competitions in Villeneuve-Loubet, France which was held in December, which saw Karlsson lose her spot to compete in July’s Olympic Games. 

Following an appeal made by Karlsson and the Sri Lanka Equestrian Association (SLEI), to the Court of Arbitration for Sports in Switzerland against the FEI, Karlsson’s ranking points have been reinstated and has once again been restored to second position in the ranking from the South East Asia Oceania region, thus securing one of the 15 Olympic slots for show jumping.

Karlsson will be representing the country on an individual spot in Show Jumping at the Games.