Status: 1972 Olympic silver medalist in equestrian, now an artist living in Sarasota, FL www.karinbillings.com
DOB: March 12, 1937 In: Hamburg, Germany
First memory of art: When I was 6-8 years old living in Hamburg, Germany, the war was just over and my family was required to take in a couple to live with us. The man was an artist and he was painting contemporary work.
First memory of equestrian: When I was 10 there was a riding school in our neighborhood where my sister and I could learn how to do acrobatic things on a bare horse.
Last book read: “Close Encounters with Donald Trump” by a famous author.
First job: I married young and my first job was being a house wife which entailed supervising a number of staff.
First famous person you met or encountered: I met Luciano Pavarotti at one of my horse clinics and he retained my services to find a jumping horse and then training two horses for him in exchange for giving me two free tickets for his concerts.
Greatest moments of your career: My first Grand Prix victory as well my first Derby win were very exciting. The subsequent World Championships and the Olympic Silver and many others were obviously important as well.
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Most painful moment: Fortunately there have not been many, but the early death of my father was devastating.
Favorite movies: 1964 film The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, Gone With The Wind and Pretty Woman.
Funny memory in your career: Shortly after my silver medal I tried to show off my horse vaulting skills and as I jumped on the horse from the floor my riding split right down the middle. Fortunately that day I had my underwear on [smile].
Favorite artist: The famous pianist Lang Lang, German painters Emil Nolde and Max Liebermann.
Childhood dream: Participate at Olympic Games.
People Qualities most admired: Tolerance, respect and love for animals.
Favorite Ice cream flavor: Vanilla Swiss Almond Haagen Dazs.
Inspiration as an artist: Nature.
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