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Show jumper Eric Lamaze won't compete at Tokyo Olympics due to health concerns

The 53-year-old has been undergoing treatment for a brain tumour

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Canadian show jumper Eric Lamaze has withdrawn from consideration for the Tokyo Olympic team.

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The 53-year-old, who has won three Olympic medals, cited health concerns as the primary reason for his decision. He has been undergoing treatment for a brain tumour, according to a media release published on his personal website.

“My health is something that I take very seriously, and I’ve decided that Tokyo is not the best venue for me,” the release said. “While my health is stable at the moment, there are several risk factors that have to be taken into consideration.”

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Lamaze was one of five show jumping athletes on the short list for Tokyo and is the highest ranked Canadian.

He led Canada to a team silver medal at Beijing 2008, where he also won individual gold aboard Hickstead. At Rio 2016, he added individual bronze to his collection with Fine Lady 5.

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The release also said Lamaze does not believe the Olympics will be a true celebration given the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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“With all that we’ve lived through this past year, and what we are still seeing with so many people living through horrible situations both in Canada and around the world, I’m not sure I would even feel right winning a medal,” said Lamaze, whose training base is in Belgium.

“The Olympics are a celebration of the athletes and I don’t think we’re going to have a true celebration in Tokyo. It’s not the time to celebrate.”

Lamaze owns Torrey Pines Stable, a large show jumping training and sales business based in Brussels, Belgium, and Wellington, Florida.

dbarnes@postmedia.com

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