Olympic Champion Eric Lamaze enters new partnership with Rolex. Photo by Rolex/Kit Houghton

February 14, 2011 – Geneva, Switzerland – Olympic Champion Eric Lamaze has entered into a partnership with Rolex.

The Swiss-based timing expert has been involved with equestrian sport since 1957, and has selected Lamaze as the latest high-performance athlete to be supported by Rolex. Lamaze joins an elite roster of exceptional individuals who excel in their chosen sport, including fellow show jumping riders, Rodrigo Pessoa and Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum, as well as golfer Phil Mickelson and the world’s longest standing number one tennis player, Roger Federer.

“It is a great privilege to be supported by Rolex, a company that has sponsored our sport and so many prestigious events over the years,” said Lamaze, who claimed Individual Gold and Team Silver medals at the 2008 Olympic Games. “It is an important recognition in an athlete’s career to be selected by Rolex, and I am honoured to be considered a part of that group of athletes. The success I have experienced in my career with such fantastic horses would not be possible without my owners and the team of people around me, and now to have support from Rolex is simply incredible. I look forward to our association in the years ahead.”

In 2010, Lamaze won the €350,000 Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen in Germany, despite breaking his foot during the competition. At the FEI World Equestrian Games, a world championship event held every four years and sponsored by Rolex since 2002, Lamaze won the Individual Bronze Medal while his mount, Hickstead, was honoured with the ‘Best Horse Award.’

Rolex has also been associated with Canada’s Spruce Meadows “Masters” Tournament for more than 30 years, an event where Lamaze has excelled, claiming numerous championship and grand prix titles. Lamaze heads the all-time money won list, with more than $2.8 million in career earnings at the Calgary venue alone.

“Eric is the current Olympic Champion and well-known rider world-wide,” said Mr. Jean-Noël Bioul, Head of Sponsorship for Rolex International. “This has been achieved through focus, dedication and a constant desire for perfection. We are delighted to recognize Eric’s talent, and look forward to our partnership with him over the coming years.”

Lamaze competes year-round in international show jumping competition. He is based in Brussels, Belgium, and spends the winter months competing in the United States in Wellington, Florida. He returns to his native Canada in June, July and September for the Spruce Meadows tournaments.