By Daniel Nhakaniso
After a successful career which culminated in her making history by becoming the first person to represent Zimbabwe in an equestrian event at the Olympics Games at the 2016 Rio Olympics, UK-based eventing rider Camilla Kruger is now venturing into coaching.
Kruger took a significant step in her fledgling coaching career after she was was early this week appointed as the new lead regional coach for the South East by British Eventing.
British Eventing is the Great Britain governing body for the equestrian sport of eventing, which combines a single rider and horse pairing competing in dressage, showjumping and cross country.
The body is also responsible for Team GB selection for the Olympics and other international events.
Kruger’s appointment as one of the lead regional coaches will see her work closely with British Eventing’s existing accredited coaches to provide the best mentorship and experience for their members throughout Great Britain.
The London-based Zimbabwean rider is a UKCC Level 3 Coach and has already been involved in British Eventing’ coaching structures.
Prior to her latest appointment she was working with Team GB’s International Pony Squad as Chef d’Equipe while she was also part of the Eastern Regional Youth Coaching team.
Kruger made history eight years ago by becoming the first person to represent Zimbabwe in an equestrian event at the Olympics Games.
The gifted rider and her horse, Sam the Man (also known as Biarritz) had earlier qualified for the Rio Games after finishing top of the Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) Olympic qualification standings for Africa and the Middle East.
The 36-year-old rider went on to place 35th in the individual competition of the global sporting showcase.
Kruger was born in Zimbabwe and spent her first six years in the Southern African nation before relocating with her family to the United Kingdom where she was educated at Eastbourne College.