Juan Matute Guimon–“I’m Back and Stronger than Ever!!”

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Juan Matute Guimon giving thumbs up as he declares “I am back” 46 days after collapsing from a life-threatening brain disorder.
June 19, 2020
 
Juan Matute Guimon declared Friday, “I’m back and stronger than ever‼️”
 
In an Instagram post from his bed at Jiménez Díaz Foundation hospital in Madrid, the 22-year-old rider said: “Thank you to everyone for your love, support, and prayers. I will need some time to catch up with every single one of you.”
 
Juan, who spent his teenage years with his parents in Wellington, Florida and is a citizen of both Spain and America, was moved from intensive care last Monday.
 
He is showing what his doctors describe as an “incredible” recovery since he collapsed after riding in Madrid on May 5.

Juan’s father, Juan Matute Azpitarte, a three-time Olympian for Spain, who with his wife, Maria, has been in Madrid throughout the ordeal.

Doctors and physiotherapists at the hospital are evaluating Juan’s condition and working with rehabilitation and neurological specialists from the U.S. and Germany on a program to restore his fitness.

Juan moved to Madrid two years ago to go to university and improve his dressage.

He was successful on both sides of the Atlantic in youth divisions, and after moving up to senior ranks was selected for Spain’s team for the 2018 World Equestrian Games in Tryon to qualify a team for the Tokyo Olympics.

His competition results in Europe, the Middle East and Florida made it virtually certain he would have been invited to the World Cup Final in Las Vegas. His top two horses and ranked second and third among Spanish combinations on the world standings. He also believes he could have made the Spanish team for the Tokyo Olympics. However, the Covid-19 pandemic caused the World Cup to be canceled and the Olympics put off for a year to the summer of 2021.