On this episode Chris Stafford talks with an all time leading American show jumping rider and coach, Anne Kursinski about coaches and coaching, and her story of being a victim of sexual abuse.  Anne is a five time Olympian, double silver medalist from Seoul and Atlanta, won individual and team gold medals in the 1983 Pan-American Games, a member of three World Equestrian Games teams. She rode on 47 U.S. Nations’ Cups teams, and competed in 10  World Cup Finals as well as winning numerous Grand Prix’. In 1988 and 1992 Anne was named AHSA  Horsewoman of the Year and in 1995 Equestrian of the Year. In 1991 U.S. Olympic Committee named her Female Equestrian Athlete of the Year. That year, L’Annee Hippique ranked her as the  number one American and number one female rider in the world. In 2011 she was voted America’s Favorite Show Jumping Equestrian and in 2017 she was inducted into the Show Jumping Hall of Fame. More recently Anne has been the Chef d’Equipe for the U.S. Show Jumping Development program and Assistant Chef d’Equipe for the senior team as well as being an advisor for team selection. Her passion for coaching is well known and she embraces all generations to help them realize their full potential as horsemen and women.
Anne recently revealed that she was the victim of sexual abuse as a child and young rider and bravely spoke out in light of the #metoo campaign, and in the interests of safe Sport. Chris spoke with Anne to discuss this and the impact and responsibility that coaches have, how attitudes and styles of coaching have evolved, and why she is so passionate about being a role model and mentor.
For show notes and related links for this episode click HERE.
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