Gina Schumacher Breaks Silence on Father's 2013 Ski Accident
Gina Schumacher, the 29-year-old daughter of Formula One legend Michael Schumacher, has broken her silence for the very first time regarding her father's devastating 2013 ski accident. In a new documentary focusing on her equestrian career, Gina has addressed the incident that occurred in Méribel, which has led the seven-time world champion to retreat from public life entirely.
Documentary Reveals Personal Reflections
The upcoming documentary, titled "Horsepower – The World of Gina Schumacher" and produced by ZDF, features Gina speaking candidly about how her father's accident impacted her life. She reveals that she immersed herself in horse riding as a coping mechanism during this difficult period. "After Dad's accident, I really threw myself into [riding] because I had to do something," Gina states in the film. "The horses have always been important. But since then they've really been... I mean, I couldn't do without horses. They helped me get through everything."
Family Support and Michael's Influence
The documentary also follows Gina and her mother, Corinna Schumacher, 57, across their ranches in the United States and Switzerland. Corinna shares insights into how Michael always supported Gina's equestrian ambitions, recalling a conversation from when Gina was just ten years old. "Michael once said to me, when Gina was ten: 'Gina will be much better than you,'" Corinna tells the cameras. "'Because she's more selfish. If you're an athlete, you have to be selfish in a certain way. And that's great. Otherwise, you won't amount to anything.' Today I think: He was so right."
Gina expresses deep gratitude for her parents' unwavering support, emphasizing that her career is not something she takes for granted. "I'm grateful that I can do this. Because it's not something to take for granted. My parents made it possible. That's why it's always been important to me to work hard so I can do it as well as I possibly can," she adds.
Documentary Release Details
The documentary will be available online starting April 17 and is scheduled for broadcast on May 17. It provides an intimate look into the Schumacher family's life, highlighting their resilience and dedication following Michael's accident. Michael Schumacher, who won seven world championships and 91 races during his illustrious Formula One career, continues to be cared for by his devoted wife Corinna, maintaining complete privacy away from the public eye.
In a lighter anecdote from the film, Gina recounts how her mother's interest in horse riding was reignited after a trip to Dubai with Michael. "She used to have a horse, and when we were younger, she wanted to start again. But she wanted a safe horse," Gina explains. "Then she was in Dubai with Dad, and they rode Arabians. Dad fell off one. There was a Quarter Horse next to it, and he was there to calm the others down. And then Mom said she wanted a horse like that."
