Thursday, 10 December 2020
The English Institute of Sport (EIS) and British Equestrian are delighted to confirm the appointment of Sam Bradley as the new Head of Performance Support for the Equestrian World Class Programme. The role focuses on working with our performance teams to get the best out of the riders on the world stage. All sports under the EIS have a similar role in place, and the position will co-ordinate the alignment of sports science and medicine provision with individual athlete performance development pans.
Sam will join British Equestrian on Monday 14 December and immediately begin the build-up towards Tokyo for both our Olympic and Paralympic athletes. The role has been previously covered by Georgina Sharples, who will now become a dedicated Para Dressage Performance Manager. Sam will work closely with Georgina and the other Performance Managers, Caroline Griffith (dressage), Richard Waygood (Performance Director and eventing), Di Lampard (showjumping), Ash Wallace, Lead of Athlete Health and the Human Sports Science and Medicine team, and John McEwen, Head of Equine Sports Science and Medicine.
Sam has extensive experience across the sporting spectrum, with high-profile roles in rugby, hockey, and cricket at international level. He spent eight years with the England and Wales Cricket Board and, as Lead Strength and Conditioning Coach, left a lasting impact on the way the sport develops, tests and monitors players with an holistic approach to physical preparation, and player development.
As Physical Development Manager for the Welsh Rugby Union, Sam led all aspects of sports science, strength and conditioning, and nutrition across the international pathway for all age groups and teams. He then joined the EIS, where he worked with England and Great Britain Hockey in the year building up to qualification for Tokyo. Heading up a multi-disciplinary team, he worked to align the various practitioner areas to ensure they supported coaches and athletes to deliver cohesive performance support.
Most recently, he’s been working with the EIS on a number of projects, Paris cycle strategy and funding submissions of different sports, including equestrianism, so has a strong grasp on the requirements and demands of our four disciplines.
“I’m excited to welcome Sam to the Equestrian World Class Programme. His credentials are exceptional and he has achieved a great deal in other sports,” said Performance Director Richard Waygood. “With less than nine months until Tokyo, it will take careful management to work with the Programme leads, their teams and our practitioners to ensure they’re the best prepared team possible, but Sam has a great track record in similar circumstances. His support will be invaluable and we look forward to welcoming him to the team.”
On his appointment, Sam commented; "I’ve been very privileged to spend two decades in international rugby, cricket and hockey, and I hope I can bring some of what I have learned along the way to this hugely exciting role and the team at British Equestrian through to Tokyo 2020 and beyond”
Sam will initially work with British Equestrian on a part-time basis while he fulfils project work with England Hockey on their ambitious ‘Fit for the Future’ talent system strategy, and working to complete his Masters in Sports Directorship, before taking on dressage, eventing, para dressage and showjumping full time from 1 May 2021 on a contract that takes him through to after Tokyo.