Australian Dressage News

Clemens Dierks to retire as Australian Dressage Coach

January 16, 2003

Australia's National Dressage Coach, Clemens Dierks, today advised the Federation that he would retire from his position at the conclusion of the Sydney CDI*** - International Dressage Event on 10 May 2003. He will concentrate on private tuition, which takes him around Australia and frequently to New Zealand where he has a strong following.

Clemens was appointed National Coach 13 years ago. He has worked for the development of Dressage in Australia for the last 25 years. Highlights of his career were Mary Hanna's great achievement at the 1996 Atlanta Games and the excellent Team effort at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games that pushed Australia into sixth place.

Almost every FEI-level rider in Australia has at some stage trained with Clemens or with his students.

EFA High Performance Manager Gareth McKeen said: "It is sad to lose a National Coach after so many years of service. Clemens has certainly made an impact on Australian Dressage. We are, however, re-evaluating the position of National Dressage Coach and how we manage coaching for elite squads and for teams at Games. So in the meantime, no replacement to the position will be appointed."

The Federation would like to thank Clemens Dierks for his work as National Coach and his contribution to Australian Dressage.

Image copyrighted: Dirk Caremans
Pictured: Australian Grand Prix team rider Rachael Sanna/Downs and Yardley Aphrodite, regular student of Clemens Dierks.

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