Merry Christmas and Thank You from EA High Performance
As we approach the end of 2021, we'd like to take a moment to reflect on how remarkable this year has been for our team, and the tremendous achievements that have been accomplished by our athletes.
In the midst of the uncertainty caused by Covid-19, we are continually inspired by the perseverance of our riders, grooms, owners, and supporters. Our identified athletes have remained formidable in their approach to success, continuing to deliver solid results in the competition arena both domestically, when possible, as well as internationally. With so many notable performances to acknowledge we wish to highlight a few of the results obtained this year in line with our 'High Performance Strategies and Outcomes' for 2021.
The pinnacle accomplishment for 2021 was undisputedly the performance of our team at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. In Tokyo our team exemplified the values we seek to achieve through our best practices and standards of excellence. We are immensely proud of the camaraderie and ‘Aussie spirit’ shown by every member of the Australian Equestrian Team at the Games.
The achievement of our Eventing Team, comprised of Andrew Hoy, Kevin McNab, and Shane Rose, who triumphantly ascended the podium in the Team competition, is a tribute to the teamwork, depth of talent, and extraordinary effort by all involved. Finishing one of the most demanding Games in history with an Eventing Team Silver is an accomplishment well merited of our riders' resolve. Furthermore, Andrew Hoy's impressive performance to win Individual Bronze is both a national and personal accomplishment beyond measure.
Two of our riders also set Australian Olympic Team records in Tokyo. Andrew Hoy made history by competing in an record eighth Olympic Games, the most of any Australian athlete; while Mary Hanna proved that age is no barrier to equestrian longevity, continuing decades of success to become Australia's oldest Olympic participant at her sixth Games.
The Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games also delivered a watershed moment and an unprecedented collective achievement for our Para-Equestrian Team. All four of our riders finished in the top ten of their respective Grades in the Individual Championship competition, a first for Australia. Additionally Sharon Jarvis became the first Australian Paralympian to compete at three Games, while Emma Booth and her horse Mogelvangs Zidane were the first ever horse/rider combination to represent Australia at two Paralympic Games.
The experience of Tokyo 2020 has been unlike any other Games in recent history and our team has emerged stronger and more resilient for the experience.
Our identified jumping athletes continued to seize team opportunities this year with an Australian contingent of three riders competing in the Nations Cup competition in Drammen, Norway, in August. The three-person team performed admirably to finish second in a field that included some of the world's most decorated jumping nations.
Driving legend Boyd Exell continued to demonstrate his supremacy this year claiming his 11th victory at the prestigious Royal Windsor Horse Show and collecting numerous other wins throughout the indoor and outdoor seasons. Boyd’s outstanding achievements were also recognised in Parliament, where his extensive accolades were highlighted. We remain proud of the gracious example Boyd and his team continue to set, of his many successes and of the driving legacy he continues to build.
In contrast to the unwelcome disruptions of Covid-19 the High Performance (HP) Program has maintained unprecedented levels of engagement and athlete participation. Building on the solid foundations already established, our world-class program has expanded its learning platform with the implementation of the 'HP Competitive Edge Program,' as well as new additions to our support team with the introduction of an Athlete Wellbeing and Engagement Ambassador, Dressage Manager and a Para-Equestrian Pathways Coordinator.
As we stand on the edge of a New Year our pursuit of podium success on the world stage remains our priority. The HP Program continues to be guided by the sound leadership of the High Performance Panel who have provided stability and direction through the various challenges faced by EA this year, which has ensured our Program governance remains unparalleled.
The HP Program continues to welcome the ongoing support of the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) who remains the sole financial contributor to the HP Program. All funding received is allocated in accordance with AIS policy requirements and we continue to utilise no EA membership funds in the delivery of our Program.
As the HP Program moves from strength to strength we keep our sights firmly set on both the World Championships next year and Paris 2024. The level of preparation, training, scientific application, veterinary care, safety measures and attention to detail is unmatched to date, and we look forward to delivering once again on the international stage.
We wish to thank all of our athletes, stakeholders, support teams, and staff for your unwavering support and continued confidence.
We hope you all have a wonderful Christmas, and a Happy New Year and we look forward to sharing the journey with you in 2022.
From,
The EA High Performance Team
- Chris Webb, EA High Performance Director
- Will Enzinger, EA High Performance Deputy Director / Pathways Manager
- Kirsty Pasto, EA High Performance Media and Communications Manager
- Erin O’Neill, EA High Performance Sport Consultant / Eventing Manager
- Stefanie Maraun, EA High Performance Para-Equestrian Manager
- Sharon Jarvis, Para-Equestrian Pathways Manager
- Dr. Alison Alcock, Performance Support Manager
- Todd Hinde, EA High Performance Jumping Manager
- Di Saunders, EA High Performance Sport Manager
- Amanda Ross, Athlete Wellbeing and Engagement Ambassador
- Brett Davey, EA High Performance Dressage Manager
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