Jacques van Daele has been named “Sports Personality of the Year 2022” by Horse Sport Flanders

Jacques van Daele, a 4-star dressage judge and International Technical Delegate at major dressage competitions and championships, has been named ‘Sports Personality of the Year 2022’ by Horse Sport Flanders, the Flemish Equestrian Federation.

This title was awarded to Van Daele at the CDI-W Mechelen 2022. He was honored for his role as a national and international dressage judge. He has been judging in Mechelen for more than 15 years.

Van Daele began his riding career training horses for the Belgian Mounted Police. He started out as a judge in the 1980s, then became a Grand Prix judge and then rose to FEI level, first 3* and now 4*.

“Jacques has tirelessly dedicated himself to dressage in recent years. He was a member of the Flemish and Belgian dressage committees and served as chairman for four years,” wrote Horse Sport Flanders (Paardensport Vlaanderen). “In the FEI he assists in the training of stewards at dressage competitions and has been appointed Steward General for Belgium. He has been promoted to a high level as a Steward and is an FEI Instructor for the education and training of numerous Stewards worldwide.”

Van Daele officiated at five Olympic Games. In his role as judge, steward and trainer, Jacques carries many responsibilities and has a very busy schedule. However, he continues to officiate at national and regional level in Belgium.

Photo © Astrid Appels

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