Di Lampard has been announced as the new showjumping World Class Performance Manager, making her the first woman to ever hold the position, both in the UK and abroad.
‘Proud and honoured’
Di replaces Rob Hoesktra, with whom she worked as Team GBR co-Selector and chef d’equipesince 2010. Rob stepped down from his position at the end of last year.
“I feel proud and honoured to be performance manager,” Di told H&C. “AlthoughI can’t quite believe I’ve got the job at the moment.”
Di certainly has the right credentials, as both a competitor and trainer. During her international showjumping career she was Britain’s leading lady rider for eight years and the first female rider to win the Cock o’ of the North Championship.
She also represented her country on numerous occasions, riding on more than 50 Nations Cup teams and winning bronze at the World Equestrian Games in Rome in 1998.
Juggling jobs
For many years Di managed to juggle her competitive career with teaching other riders. She was one of the first British Showjumping accredited coaches and went on to become consultant head of training.
At the height of her showjumping success she was also coach to the British junior team, leading them to European gold each year from 1996-98.
In 2011 she hung up her international boots to focus on her new job as a BritishShowjumpingco-selector and assistant chef d’equipe to Rob.
‘Massive decision’
Di continued to compete youngsters, bred and produced by herself and her husband Dietmar Ackermann at Spring Farm in Rutland in the East Midlands. The farm is also a well-established training centre, but both sides of the business will now take a backseat with her new position as performance manager.
Di said it was a “massive decision” to give it all up, but she already has big plans for the British squad. She told H&C her first task would be to ensure they qualify for the Rio Olympics at this year’s European Championships, following the disappointment of World Equestrian Games.
‘Ignite the fire’
“We’ve had some highs in British Showjumping and we’ve had a dip,” she said. “The plan now is to get back the determination and vision we had at the London Olympics.
“My job as performance manager is to re-ignite the fire. We need to get the riders, the owners, support staff and everyone involved in British Showjumping behind us.”
Di is also focused on ensuring Britain stays in Europe division one in the Furusiyya Nations Cup league, after they narrowly missed out on relegation last year.
“We need to secure our position in the super league so that when – not if – we qualify we get to compete in the best international team competitions,” she said. “This will be our preparation for Rio.”
Extensive knowledge
Iain Graham, chief Executive for British Showjumping said they are “highly delighted” at Di’s appointment.
“Her extensive knowledge of the sport and it’s structure within Great Britain accompanied by her depth of understanding in respect of top level international performance can only bode to serve us well in this all important year.
“Di’s personable strength of character has already seen her build a tremendous rapport with our team owners and riders and we look forward to supporting and working alongside her.”