Today we will be starting with the shortlist for the Reem Acra Best Athlete.
After a year of outstanding sporting achievements from our athletes across all disciplines it was an especially difficult task to create a shortlist of only four athletes. The public nomination process highlighted a wide range of athletes from which the following four were selected to go through to the judges’ vote:
Boyd Exell (AUS)
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Photo © David Sinclair
Since winning his first driving competition aged 16, Boyd has gone on to dominate the discipline of driving in a manner never before seen. His 2014 win at the FEI World Cup™ Driving Final means he has now won a record 5 times. Success in Normandy at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian™ Games 2014 means he is now World Champion for the third consecutive time.
Daniel Deusser (GER)
Photo © Arnd Bronkhorst
Starting off his year with a win in the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final, Daniel proved this was a sign of things to come. With a 6th place finish in the Alltech FEI World Equestrian™ Games 2014 and currently holding a place in the top 10 of the Longines Rankings was certainly a year to remember.
Jeroen Dubbeldam (NED)
Photo © Arnd Bronkhorst
With an impressive track record at top level games and championships, 2014 proved no exception for Jeroen who followed up his individual Olympic and team gold at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian™ Games 2014. Since Normandy, he has gone on to help the Netherlands clinch the top spot at the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Final.
Joanne Eccles (GBR)
Photo © Liz Gregg
A dentist by day, Joanne Eccles along with the support of her entire family has risen to the top level of vaulting. 2014 saw her claim an individual gold and Pas-de-Deux bronze medal at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian™ Games 2014 adding to her already impressive medal haul. She is now a triple World and double European Champion with four silver Pas-de Deux medals.
