Graeme Thom: The Politics of High-Performance Management

In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by the USEF Director of High-Performance Sport Programs Graeme Thom.

Before stepping down from the position in 2021, Graeme spent 5 years as the New Zealand High Performance Eventing Manager. He led the team to a gold medal finish at the 2018 FEI Eventing Nations Cup CICO4* at Aachen. From 2007-2014, Graeme was the Canadian Eventing High Performance Manager and Chef d’Equipe. Under his leadership, the Canadian team won team silver at the 2010 World Games and Jessica Phoenix won individual gold at the Pan American Games in 2011.

In this episode, Graeme discusses various topics related to his career in high performance management, including:

• How different equestrian federations approach committees and budgeting.
• His riding career and how it set him on the path to success in team management.
• The effect social licensing has on the industry, and how it is viewed by riders and officials.
• His ideal high-performance team and the importance of having the right staff to support the athletes.
• Learning to operate in stressful situations and treat everyone fairly.

Join Graeme and Sinead in this exciting conversation on high-performance management.