The 2008 Olympic champion Eric Lamaze has by Equestrian Canada been named the new Chef d’Equipe for the Canadian showjumping team. 

Following the Tokyo Olympic Games, Equestrian Canada undertook a review of the Jumping High Performance program – including the position of Technical Advisor, a role formerly held by Mark Laskin since 2012. At the conclusion of this process, Lamaze was the successful candidate. Lamaze is now cutting back on his own competitive agenda to give the Canadian team his full attention.

Lamaze will lead Canada in all team competitions, including the upcoming World Championships in Herning, Denmark, in August where Canada will have its first opportunity to qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.

“I am excited to help lead the Canadian Show Jumping Team to future success in a new capacity,” said Lamaze, 53, in a press release from Equestrian Canada. “It’s an honour to be named to this position and not one that I take lightly. I look forward to building on the foundation that Mark Laskin laid and am committed to the success of our athletes, both nationally and internationally. I have a strong vision for the sport in Canada and will not stop until we reach perfection.”

“I would like to thank Equestrian Canada and the hiring panel for putting their trust in me,” said Lamaze in the press release. “Fifteen years ago, I made the decision to base myself in Europe where I had the opportunity to compete against the best in the world, week in and week out, and learned through experience what it takes to win at the highest level. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to share my knowledge and expertise with my fellow Canadian athletes and guide us back to where we belong, which is at the top of the podium.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Eric to the position and are fortunate that he felt the timing was right to take on this challenge,” said Equestrian Canada Jumping Committee Chair Karen Sparks in the press release. “We are confident that he can build the national program and podium pathways and be the leader the team needs to be successful on the world stage.”

Meg Krueger, Equestrian Canada Chief Executive Officer, agreed, saying, “There is no one with more experience and a proven track record in our sport than Eric. His knowledge and passion are truly remarkable, and there is little doubt that he is the right choice to lead Canadian show jumping into a successful future.”