Equestrian Australia today confirmed Nigel Thompson as Eventing Selector

A recommendation of the High Performance Panel to introduce a fourth selector will see Thompson join the existing Eventing Selection Panel of Georgia Clifford (Chair), Jim Dunn and Olivia Bunn.

With extensive experience competing in eventing competitions both in Australia and overseas, Thompson was also shortlisted for the Australian teams at both the Atlanta Olympics and Rome World Equestrian Games.

The Board called for applications for the fourth selectors position and these applications were reviewed by the EA Board appointed Selection Panel.  The Selection Panel was made up of Dr. Warwick Vale (EA Chairman), Will Enzinger (as Chair of National Eventing Committee[NEC]), Tim Boland (as NEC Riders Representative), Polly-Anne Huntington (as NEC rep) and Chris Webb (EA High Performance Manager).

The panel’s unanimous recommendation for Nigel’s appointment was presented to the EA Board and has been ratified.

EA Chairman Dr Warwick Vale said Thompson’s expertise will complement the existing panel nicely in the countdown to the 2014 World Equestrian Games.

“I want to congratulate Nigel on his appointment to the Eventing Selection Panel.  With the countdown to the WEG and Rio Olympic Games well and truly heating up, we wanted to ensure our teams have the right support around them ahead of team selection as we work towards our medal outcomes,” he said.

Director Des Hughes withdrew from the appointment panel prior to the final selection process taking place and abstained from the Board approval process.