The Swedish Equestrian Federation has asked Finnish Olympian Kyra Kyrklund to assist in the training of the Swedish Elite riders in preparation of the 2011 European Championships and 2012 Olympic Games.
She is replacing the official Swedish team trainer Hubertus Schmidt who resigned as he wants to stay home to support his cancer-stricken wife Doris.
The Swedish Federation (SvRF) published a press release in which Kyrklund was named new Team Trainer, but Kyrklund confirmed to Eurodressage that, even though her assignment covers the same cargo as the team trainer, "so far we haven't talked about a title."
In any case, Kyrklund has been officially asked by the Federation to boost the Swedish Grand Prix riders with her expertise and her input is greatly appreciated.
"I have been doing it for many years at Jan Brink's place but that has been on a private basis," Kyra told Eurodressage. "Most years we have had at least two riders from the project in the Swedish National Team."
"I have agreed to help out SvRF with the strategic planning and extend the training to other riders who so wish, in co-operation with their own trainers," she explained.
Kyrklund is also training the Portuguese dressage team alongside many individuals from different nations. "I will continue as before, with my students from verious other countries," she said.
Photo © Dirk Caremans
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