Equestrian Australia Appoints Athlete Wellbeing and Engagement Ambassador for Tokyo

Dressage

Australia

The Australian equestrian federation (EA) has appointed a "Athlete Wellbeing and Engagement Ambassador" in the lead-up to the 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Olympian Amanda Ross has been welcomed to the newly created role.

Challenging Process

The Games of the XXXII Olympiad are less than two months away, and "our entire team continues to diligently prepare for the unprecedented event, and a team experience unlike any other faced by our cohort," EA stated.

"Our EA High Performance (HP) staff members have been working tirelessly to ensure their respective departments are well equipped for the Games and that no detail has been overlooked. We also maintain regular communication with not only our identified athletes and support teams, but also with the Australian Olympic Committee, Paralympics Australia and the FEI to ensure all logistical and operational planning reflects the latest information available. "

Our athletes also remain focussed on the goal ahead and they continue to prepare themselves and their horses for potential Tokyo 2020 team selection, utilising a number of FEI qualification events around the globe across the various Olympic and Paralympic disciplines.

It Takes a Village

"It is not only our riders who remain committed to the Tokyo 2020 journey, but also the dedicated supporters behind the scenes without whom an Olympic or Paralympic campaign would not be possible. We recognise that the sacrifices and contributions made in the pursuit of Olympic and Paralympic success are not only undertaken by our athletes, but also by their families, significant others, owners, grooms, trainers and support staff; particularly during these unprecedented times. As we approach the postponed Games we wish to acknowledge the team spirit and loyalty shown by all within our cohort who have aided in keeping the Olympic and Paralympic dream alive for our riders."

Amanda Ross

Amanda joins the High Performance team at a time when increasing awareness surrounding athlete wellbeing is at the core of our Program’s development initiatives.

The Program has been working closely with the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) to prioritise a holistic approach in preparing athletes for not only success in the competition arena, but also a career with sustained longevity.

As the Athlete Wellbeing and Engagement Ambassador Amanda will draw on her extensive knowledge and experience as an elite athlete to provide additional support to identified riders, and act as a role model for the next generation of equestrians.

Women in Leading Roles

In addition, EA Para-Equestrian Pathways Coordinator, Paralympian and World Equestrian Games bronze medallist Sharon Jarvis has been selected to be a part of the inaugural AIS Accelerate Program, which aims to increase career pathway options in sport for women athletes.

Dr. Alison Alcock, EA High Performance Support Manager, is also one of the sixteen women to have been selected for the AIS Talent Program, this year focused on advancing the professional development of women in sport across science, technology, engineering and medical disciplines.

"Both Sharon and Alison look forward to expanding their capabilities within high performance sport and being able to utilise their new skills to further support our identified equestrian athletes," said EA.