It shouldn’t come as a surprise.
Who but 10-time Olympian Ian Millar was the logical choice to be appointed as the new technical advisor for the Canadian show jumping team?
He succeeds Canada’s individual Olympic gold medalist Eric Lamaze, whose contract ended last month.
Ian Millar at the 2008 Olympics, where Canada won team silver. (Photo © 2008 by Nancy Jaffer)
Ian, 76, is the most successful competitor over all in the history of Canadian show jumping. A 12-time Canadian National Champion, he has competed in more Olympic Games than any athlete in any sport.
“Everyone at EC (Equestrian Canada) and the Canadian team are feeling proud that Ian has chosen to share his knowledge, passion and experience in a mentorship and development role that will support the team now and into the future,” said Equestrian Canada CEO Meg Krueger.
“I think not only the athletes, but everyone, will benefit from his guidance and infinite interest in making the sport better. And we know he likes to win, too.”
Ian will be working toward preparing the Canadians to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“It has been my great honor to ride for Canada for the better part of 50 years,” said Ian, who retired from competing four years ago.
“This is my opportunity to give back and it is with further honor that I do so.”
He called his role a culmination of what he brings and what groundwork has been laid before him.
“In my time representing Canada, I have known and learned from over a dozen chefs d’equipe,” he continued. “Each of them have been great leaders in their own right and I will take that team spirit with me as I embark on this new role.”
“Over his career, Ian has developed a program that consistently produces top results in major competitions using proven principles,” said James Hood Equestrian Canada’s high performance director.
“We are grateful to have him guiding our team to be the best they can be. And we are looking forward to having him bring his leadership skills to the TA position.”
“I am very excited for the challenge,” Millar said. “I know we have some great riders and some great horses, he observed, adding he is optimistic that Canada can build a top team for Pan American Games in Chile this fall.
“These games are going to be challenging but they are our big chance to qualify for the Olympics. This is a must do and a can-do thing. Then we’ll build a team for Paris.”