End of an era for Swiss elite jumping
Thomas Fuchs was appointed head coach of Switzerland’s elite jumping team over 11 years ago and in that time worked hand in hand with Andy Kistler, Michel Sorg and then Peter van der Waaij. Fuchs tendered his resignation to Swiss Equestrian a few weeks ago, marking the end of an era for elite jumping in the country.
Though he did not officially become head coach until 2014, Fuchs had been operating in the background for many years prior, establishing himself as a major architect of Swiss jumping success. As he explains, one of his happiest memories predates his time as the main man: “Not surprisingly, Steve’s [Guerdat] gold medal at the London Olympics is a real emotional high point for me. The team win at the Europeans in Riesenbeck in 2021 was a very special moment too.”
Under the Zurich man’s watchful eye, our riders have tasted success in the world’s biggest arenas, doing the red jacket proud. In the process, he has gained huge respect, with Guerdat among those to regularly praise him for his eye, his understanding of horses and his ability to get the best out of riders: “He’s probably one of the best, if not the best, horsemen in the world.”
Now 68, Fuchs is signing off after many years of loyal service and excellent results. “I have a lot of clients who’d like me to join them at competitions,” he says. “But I honestly believe that it’s time for me to call it a day anyway. I’ve been around for a pretty long time now and the senior riders don’t need me as much. I’ll obviously stay very close to my son and Steve, but there are lots of others who have their own coaches, and there’s probably no longer any need for me to be there at championships and Nations Cups. Between the sponsors, owners, officials and riders the team spirit has always been fantastic and it goes without saying that I’ll miss that, but I know I’ve made the right call.”
And so, as we bid farewell to a great man who has brought glory to Swiss jumping, all that remains for us to say is, “Thanks Thomas”.
Aurore Favre
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