“I’m Crushed”- Olympic Gold Medalist Equestrian Icon Retires Due To Ongoing Cancer Battle

Canadian show jumper Eric Lamaze is an Olympic champion. Lamaze is one of the most famous equestrians in the sport. He is known to ride his famous horse “Hickstead”. The equestrian is the winner of 3 Olympic medals, two of which he won at the 2008 Olympic Games with Hickstead.

In addition, the equestrian was also crowned with four Pan American Games medals and one World Equestrian Games bronze. Unfortunately, in 2017, the star showjumper was diagnosed with cancer. He took a break from the sport for his health. Recently, Eric Lamaze announced his retirement from the sport because of his health issues.

Canada’s most decorated equestrian announces retirement

Born in Montreal, Eric Lamaze first competed in the Grand Prix in 1991. He showed immense talent in his very first professional completion. Over the years, the equestrian came to dominate the sport of show jumping, displaying some exceptional skills.

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However, the champion showjumper was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2017. Lamaze took a break from the sport to focus on his health. But things did not resolve so quickly. Lamaze is still suffering from brain cancer. Unfortunately, due to his health concerns, it’s no longer possible for his health to continue with the sport.

Therefore, Eric Lamaze has announced his retirement from the sport. It has devastated the equestrian champion to be going out like this.

“It’s with great sadness that I am making this decision,” said the 53-year-old. Lamaze has always thought of retiring only when he thought he had done enough. Unfortunately, things did not turn out that way.

“There’s a part of me that feels really upset that I’ve been battling cancer with the hope of riding again and I’m crushed that that won’t be the case.”

But Lamaze will not completely leave the sport. He will now take upon the honorable role of the Chef d’Equipe. This means that he will be the leader and manage a hoard of equestrians who look up to him.

Eric Lamaze as the Chef d’Equipe

Lamaze has revealed that he is grateful for this opportunity. He is more than willing to pass on his knowledge to all his fellow mates in the sport.

 “I will give these riders every opportunity I ever had myself and I have great ideas for the future,” said Eric Lamaze.

Lamaze has already displayed his leadership skills earlier by leading the Canadian team to multiple wins at championships. Now he will be out there as a guiding light for them.

In Lamaze’s words, “When they win, I win.” Notably, the new role has its own kind of challenges and Lamaze is open to taking upon these challenges.

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