Former international rider Di Lampard is the new leader for British showjumpers — and has said it is now full steam ahead to qualify the team for Rio 2016.
After much speculation, Di was revealed as Rob Hoekstra’s successor as performance manager today (Thursday 5 February), and takes on the role immediately.
She will step up from her current role as Team GBR co-selector and deputy chef d’equipe for Nations Cup jumping teams — a position she has held since 2010.
Di also becomes the first female performance manager in British equestrian sport. She will now lead, develop and manage the jumping within the World Class programme.
“I feel proud and honoured,” said Di.
“I want to ignite the fire and passion of London 2012 to achieve success, our immediate goal being qualification for Rio in 2016.
“We will only do this with a no compromise approach and by creating a strong team spirit through open communication and transparency with riders, owners and support staff.”
She added that she will also support the World Class Development programme riders to give young showjumpers the chance to be part of the Team GBR squad.
“We will look to contribute a wider foundation of new horses and involve a larger pool of owners in developing the all-important horsepower we need to achieve success. Rob [Hoekstra] has left the position in great shape having seen British showjumping through one of their most successful periods and I am delighted to take over the reins,” she added.
Continued below…
Read reaction to Di Lampard’s appointment
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Rob Hoekstra left the role on 1 January after four years at the helm, in which he led the team to gold medal-winning victory in London 2012.
However, there were tensions of late, and he came under criticism after the World Equestrian Games (WEG) when the team failed to reach the final round — Britain’s worst ever WEG performance.
In October he said he was standing down to “take up new challenges elsewhere in the sport”
“This will provide the final opportunity for the jumping team to achieve Olympic qualification for the 2016 Games,” said performance director Dan Hughes.
“It was therefore essential we found a new performance manager as quickly as possible to provide a smooth transition.
“Di’s credentials as a showjumping rider, coach, selector and chef d’equipe, coupled with her extensive knowledge of the sport, made a compelling case.
“Her reputation is second to none and her attitude and approach make her exactly the right person for the job. We know she’ll be able to hit the ground running and focus quickly on the immediate challenges of Olympic qualification and achieving podium places for Team GBR in 2016. I warmly congratulate her on her appointment and welcome her to Team GBR and the World Class fold with open arms.”
For more from Di, exclusive comment from William Funnell and what the future for British showjumping holds don’t miss next week’s issue of H&H magazine, out Thursday 12 February.
