New Zealand farewelled their past High Performance Eventing Manager, Erik Duvander in 2016
Equestrian Sports New Zealand has announced that Graeme Thom has been appointed as the new High Performance Eventing Manager, replacing Erik Duvander who left the position in late 2016 after a successful 10 year stint
55 year old Thom has been involved in a voluntary capacity with the Canadian eventing team for the past 10 years as Chef d’equipe for the team and Chair of the Eventing High Performance Committee. He also competed as an amateur to CCI3* level and was shortlisted for the Canadian eventing team
He was Chef d’equipe for the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio, the 2008 Olympic Games in Hong Kong, the 2010 Alltech World Equestrian Games in Kentucky, the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara and the 2012 Olympic Games in London. During this time Canada won team silver at the World Equestrian Games in 2010 and an individual gold at Pan American Games in 2011 but another significant achievement was to use his financial industry background to benefit in creating a solid financial footing for the Canadian team going forward
“I am extremely excited to be joining Eventing Team New Zealand,” says Thom. “I have always admired the New Zealand teams that have done so well in the sport of eventing. What is particularly impressive is the high respect afforded the athletes both on and off the field of play. They certainly represent their nation well at every turn.”
Thom will make his first trip to New Zealand in a few weeks’ time and ESNZ high performance director Sarah Dalziell-Clout is excited to be welcoming him to the team.
“It is great to have someone of Graeme’s calibre and experience joining our Eventing High Performance team,” she said. “His leadership and management skills combined with his understanding of the international eventing environment, particularly in North America, will be invaluable as we head into the all-important World Equestrian Games in Tryon next year.”
Source: Diana Dobson, ESNZ HP Media
