Norwegian 2012 Olympian Siril Helljesen has been appointed Norway's Grand Prix team captain for the seniors and U25 riders.
Since the sale of her top Olympic mare Dorina and Rosenstolz, Helljesen has moved into the role of trainer and technical staff member at the Norwegian Equestrian Federation. She has served as pony and children team trainer and in 2021 added the junior and young riders under her wings.
The Norwegian equestrian federation (NRYF) has announced Helljesen's rise to the highest role as a technical advisor within the federation: team captain at Grand Prix level.
After the Paris Olympics, the Norwegian Equestrian Federation entered into an agreement with Ingeborg Simensen as national team leader for the squads of U-25 and senior athletes. Ingeborg contributed valuable experience and commitment to the work with this group, but unfortunately ended her involvement in December when she was offered a job at Olympiatoppen.
"Afterwards, Mikael Kolind has followed up with individual athletes, but we now see a clear need for a dedicated person in the role of both professional manager and as a link between athletes, sports coordinator and the rest of the sports apparatus," said Nina Johnsen, sports manager at NRYF.
Siril will be in charge of observation and follow-up with the riders, and support in selection processes.
"Siril already has a well-established collaboration with Helena Liholt Gulli in the work with the U21 group, and will continue this in parallel with the new responsibility for the senior group," said Johnsen.
Photo © Astrid Appels
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