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Eric Lamaze: The Ride to Glory

Cinch Magazine

Dealing with a poor family, drug abuse, and public criticism, how did Eric Lamaze make it to claim gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games?

Eric Lamaze made history on Thursday August 21, 2008 at the Beijing Olympic Games. There not only did he win the first team medal (silver) in 40 years, but he also captured Canada's first ever individual show jumping medal, going all out for gold in his only Olympics at the age of 40. 

But his story doesn't start or end there. He began his mark to stardom with a glitched record,  missing 2 summer games due to drug abuse, and had to thrust his way into the show jumping elite through a troubled family life. 

He dropped out of junior high school, growing up with little money in the home and a mother who dealt with substance abuse. It was then that he initiated his life twisting journey as he began to become involved in horseback riding by working in the horse industry in exchange for an opportunity to ride. 

From there, Eric Lamaze gradually worked his way into superstar status. He was fortunate enough to find a talented Dutch-bred stallion, "Hickstead", who has helped him put a spotlight on show jumping and capture some of the most elusive wins in the sport.

His story has shown Canadians that he keeps his word, vowing to overcome personal afflictions and reclaim his elite status. But he has done so much more than that. He has opened the eyes of fellow equestrians that the greatest struggles can be surpassed and that the seemingly impossible is achievable. 

Eric Lamaze truly is a Canadian hero, and the 2008 Olympic Games at Beijing will forever hold a place in the hearts of all who watched his performance. 

This Article Is Still Under Construction

Birthdate:
April 17, 1968

Birthplace:
Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Homeplace:
Schomberg, Ontario, Canada

Stable:
Torrey Pine

Height:
5'8" (1.73m)

Weight:
143 lbs. (65 kg)

Career Highlights:
2008 Beijing Olympic Team Silver Medallist
2008 Beijing Olympic Individual Gold Medallist
Winner $1M CN International
2008 $200K Queen Elizabeth II Cup
2008 $200K CN Reliability Grand Prix

Status Rider:
#2 ranked in the world (as of November 2008)

Top Mounts
Hickstead (Olympic competitor)
Rio Grande (Olympic qualified)

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