Tokyo 2020 Olympic eventing course designer revealed
The eventing cross-country course-designer for the 2020 Olympics has been revealed.
Rolex Kentucky CCI4* course designer Derek di Grazia has confirmed he will be designing both the course for the 2018 World Equestrian Games in Bromont, Canada, and the 2020 Games in Japan.
“I feel deeply honored and very grateful for being given the opportunity to design for these competitions,” Mr di Grazia told H&H.
“It is always the time and commitment of many people that makes these competitions happen and I look forward to working with all of those involved.”
The US national took over the designing of Kentucky’s four-star from Mike Etherington-Smith ahead of the 2011 event.
He has also designed a host of other national and international events in the US and Canada.
“At this point both courses are in the early stages of design. However, the nature of the sites will allow for each course to have its own character,” said Mr di Grazia.
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“While both of these competitions will take place on sites that are quite different from each other I will strive to offer courses that will provide both the competitors and the spectators a good day of eventing at the very highest level.”
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Rio 2016
This year’s Olympic eventing cross-country course has been designed by Frenchman Pierre Michelet.
He has previously designed courses for Pau CCI4* as well as the CICO3* at Fontainebleau and the World Young Horse Championships at Le Lion d’Angers.
He also designed the 2014 World Equestrian Games course in Normandy.
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Lucy is an experienced news journalist, reporter and presenter. Since joining the Horse & Hound team in 2015, Lucy has reported from major global sporting events including the Tokyo Paralympic Games and multiple European Championships, as well as Badminton, Burghley and London, to name a few. She has covered current affairs and sports news across the full spectrum of equestrian disciplines and racing, as well as human and equine welfare, industry news and court cases.