Alec Lochore has been named as the cross-country course designer for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
It was a unanimous decision to appoint the FEI Level 4 course designer and technical delegate at an in-person meeting today at the governing body’s headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Mike Etherington-Smith — who designed both the 2000 (Sydney) and 2008 (Beijing) Olympic courses — will act as course advisor.
“I am humbled, honoured and delighted to have been asked to design the cross-country track for the Olympic Games LA28,” said Alec.
“It will be a great challenge. One which I am looking forward to immensely.”
‘The biggest showcase’
Alec was the eventing manager for the 2012 Games in London, a role that required him to oversee the cross-country planning and test events at Greenwich Park as well as at Tokyo 2020.
“I am fortunate enough to have been involved with the organisation and planning of several Olympic Games, and each Olympics is unique and special,” said Alec.
“The Olympics is the biggest showcase that our sport — that any sport — has, and to be chosen as course designer is very exciting.”
The 53-year-old has also held roles at both World and European championships, served two terms on the FEI Eventing Committee, and has been a member of various FEI Working Groups.
‘Excellent credentials’
“He holds excellent credentials as a first-class eventing course designer but also as a technical delegate and an organiser,” said FEI President Ingmar De Vos.
“He was instrumental in advising the FEI on the cross-country feasibility at the LA28 equestrian venue at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia and we are confident that, in cooperation with Mike Etherington-Smith, he will design a course that challenges the world’s best while showcasing the heart of our sport to a wider global audience.
Mr De Vos also confirmed that work on the 2028 Olympic cross-country course will begin “in the coming weeks.”
The LA Games will take place 14-30 July 2028 at Santa Anita Equestrian Park in Arcadia.
Team and individual competitions in showjumping, dressage, and eventing have all been confirmed as a part of the Olympic competition schedule.
