Equestrian Australia names National High Performance Squads for 2019
Equestrian Australia (EA) is pleased to announce the National High Performance Squads for 2019.
Tryon World Equestrian Games (WEG) Eventing team member Andrew Hoy joins his fellow WEG teammates, Shane Rose and Christopher Burton, on the Gold Squad in addition to decorated jumping athlete Edwina Tops-Alexander. The Gold Squad programme is dedicated to athletes who are considered capable of a medal winning performance at the upcoming 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.
Amanda Ross and Hazel Shannon step up from the Generation Next Squad to the Green Squad, following a year of impressive results from both athletes. Ross and the mighty mare Koko Popping Candy were a reserve combination for WEG and also competed successfully at Blenheim (UK) placing 10th in the CCI3*, from a field of more than 70 combinations. Shannon and her mount Willinga Park Clifford made history in November when they won the CCI4* for the second time as a combination, since the events inception.
The Green Squad is reserved for athletes that have achieved results in the last six months demonstrating a capability of delivering medal performances at WEG and Olympic level. Ross and Hazel join other Green Squad members Sammi Birch, Sam Griffiths, Ryan Wood and Emma McNab.
In addition, the jumping athletes named on the Green Squad are Rowan Willis, Jamie Kermond, Scott Keach and Billy Raymont. All were members of the successful WEG team that achieved the best result ever produced by an Australian Jumping Team at a World Championship, finishing sixth and also qualifying Australia for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
The Generation Next Squad welcomes five new members to the long list of talented athletes already named. The Generation Next Squad focuses on developing emerging talent and evolving their potential to achieve success at WEG and Olympic levels. The new additions to the squad are Annabel Armstrong, Callum Buczak, Jade Findlay, Lissa Green, Grace Kay; they will join current squad members Olivia Barton, Emma Bishop, Andrew Cooper, Isabel English, Thea Horsley, Shenae Lowings, Emma Mason, Robert Palm, Jessica Rae, Katie Taliana, Gemma Tinney and Katja Weimann.
Equestrian Australia’s High Performance Director, Chris Webb, said “We have emerged from WEG with an increased drive to ensure our athletes are best placed and supported to deliver medal winning performances at Tokyo 2020. We have an immense wealth of talent and experience in our senior athletes who remain focused and on track to achieve our Olympic goals.”
“Our programmes not only focus on our current high profile athletes but also offer a leading edge pathway ensuring our emerging talent is developed carefully, giving them every opportunity to fulfil their potential.”
Congratulations to all athletes named on the National High Performance Squads for 2019.
To view a full list of High Performance Squads please visit; http://www.equestrian.org.au/NationalSquads/HighPerformance
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