Equestrian High Performance Weekly Update – 7th September, 2020

As we transition from the Australian winter into what we hope will be a revived spring we look ahead and trust in the resilience of our sport during these unprecedented times. We continue to monitor the ever evolving Covid-19 situation and its impact on high-performance equestrian sport worldwide. We are diligent in ensuring we remain at the forefront of any development or change relating to the pandemic and maintain regular communication with our riders to support them in their Tokyo preparation, health management and competition plans in the current climate.

Our athletes around the globe continue to focus on their Olympic and Paralympic preparations albeit under altered circumstances with commendable focus and adaptability. The recent announcement that Victoria will face a further two weeks of restrictions has led to the revision and modification of some timelines for our riders. We are working closely with our riders in the State of Victoria to ensure they are supported in their personal wellbeing, health and performance planning. As the situation remains variable we continue to work closely with the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) and State Sport Organisations to best advise our athletes regarding all options available to them.

Last week Equestrian High Performance hosted the second videoconference for our Tokyo identified riders and National Riders’ Representatives in an effort to update them on the latest developments surrounding the Voluntary Administration process and the proposed changes to the EA Constitution. Previously there had been questions raised by our riders regarding what these proposed changes would mean for our high-performance community. The videoconference not only offered a chance for our riders to have their questions answered but it was also an opportunity to engage with their fellow high-performance riders, from all over the globe and across various disciplines, and to share their ideas, opinions and hopes for the future of Australian equestrian sport. The passion and commitment shown by our riders to help move the sport forward as a cohesive unit, and the desire to work together in the best interest of the sport, is truly encouraging.

Whilst we all look forward to the future and a postponed Games in Tokyo, the time has also come for us to reflect on the amazing achievements of our past. On Sunday the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) and Paralympics Australian (PA) launched the #MySydney2000 campaign which will celebrate the magic of the Sydney 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games 20 years on. Equestrian High Performance is also taking part in the celebrations and assisting with the campaign, as we get ready to celebrate one of most memorable Games in Australian equestrian history. Everyone across the country was a part of the sensation of Sydney 2000 in their own special way and we want to celebrate each and every contribution. If you would like to be involved all you need to do is publish any photos or videos you have from Sydney 2000 on your personal social media account on the 20th anniversary of that memory, tagging the Australian Equestrian Team and using the hashtag #MySydney2000. If you can't remember the exact date of the memory share it anytime during the Sydney 2000 anniversary period, which is 15th September - 1 October (Olympics) or 18th October - 29th October (Paralympics). To follow the journey of the Australian Equestrian Team as we get ready to relive the excitement and walk down memory lane make sure you follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

We continue to work with the FEI, AOC and PA surrounding the requirements, logistical and operational aspects of a postponed Games; and to ensure we provide a safe preparation, arrival and departure from Tokyo for our athletes and support staff. This includes extensive scenario planning taking into account the challenges currently presented by Covid-19. The participation of our athletes at the postponed Games in Tokyo remains our priority and we are openly engaged in communication with the AOC and PA to ensure the smooth delivery of all requirements. We expect to shortly be in a position to have the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Nomination Criteria available for our riders and stakeholders. These policies are currently going through the review process and are presently with the AOC and PA.

As always the health and safety of our people and horses remain our highest priority as we work together as a united high performance community to navigate these unprecedented times.  We encourage all of our riders, staff and the wider equestrian community to diligently adhere to their government’s protocols regarding Covid-19 in order to minimise the risk of exposure and to limit the spread of the virus.

We thank you all for your understanding and continued support and please feel free to contact the High Performance team directly if you have any questions or queries.