Sport: Equestrian
Age: 40
Hometown: Schomberg Ontario

Medal Potential: Excellent -Individual Jumping

It is difficult to say whether Eric Lamaze qualifies as the feel good comeback story for the Canadian Olympic team this year. Long considered to be one of Canada’s finest equestrians, this Olympics is his first but he should have been here much sooner. Drug problems in the past prevented him from competing at the Games level and on his second infraction he was given a lifetime ban.

Yet, he managed to preserve and now being eligible to compete, a much more mature Lamaze is considered to be one of Canada’s top hopes for a medal at the games and perhaps for two as a member of the team equestrian jumping. He is ranked third in the world and has enjoyed considerable success on the tours. But Olympic glory was denied to him because of his personal faults but now he has a chance to redeem himself.

Of course, this is not just about him as it takes two to win a medal and his mount Hickstead is considered to be one of the finest around.