Canadian Olympian Eric Lamaze has broken his silence regarding the health concerns that kept him from competing at CHI Geneva in the fall of 2018. He has been battling a cancerous brain tumor for the past year and a half.

In an interview in French with RMC Sport, he said, “It took me a very long time to be able to discuss it with the people around me. The last thing I wanted was to scare them.” He explains that he did not know how to tell them, and withdrew from friends, the media, and the jumping scene, although he plans to continue to ride for as long as he is able.  

Returning to competition after a six-month break, Lamaze competed at the 2019 Winter Equestrian Festival and placed 12th in the $500,000 Rolex Grand Prix. He then competed at the Longines Global Champions Tour of Miami, placed second in the Prix FFE-Generali at the Longines International Jumping of La Baule, and represented Team Canada in the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ of France.

Our heartfelt wishes go to Eric, his family, and the Torrey Pines Stable team for strength and courage during this difficult time. Eric, may each new day bring you closer to recovery.  

Eric Lamaze competing at the FEI World Equestrian Games 2018, on Chacco Kid. Photo: FEI/Martin Dokoupil

- With files from Noellefloyd.com