Olympian Brad McGee to Deliver Keynote Address at EA Conference

Attendees at this year’s EA conference will have the chance to hear from Brad McGee (OAM) an Olympic gold medallist in track cycling and head coach of the New South Wales Institute of Sport (NSWIS) cycling program. 

McGee is Australia’s most prolific male cycling Olympic medallist and his keynote presentation at this year’s conference will offer an insight into an athletic career that spanned four Olympic Games and various elite level coaching posts. 

"Since I made my debut for Australia two decades ago the sporting landscape has undergone dramatic change in Australia and internationally," said McGee. "I'll be using some real life examples behind the scenes of professional cycling that illustrate what it takes to succeed at elite level whether as the athlete or the coach.

"Whilst I saddled up on two wheels rather than four hooves I believe many of the lessons I've learned as an Olympian, professional athlete and coach can be applied in the equestrian arena and I look forward to sharing my experiences.

"Key areas I'll cover include the importance of identifying and fostering talent from grass roots to elite level, how to keep athletes engaged and motivated how to use what you already know and my holistic approach to coaching.”

McGee’s athletic career delivered him a sizeable Olympic medal haul including gold in the team’s pursuit at the 2004 Athens Games. These Games also delivered him a silver medal in the individual pursuit. McGee is the only cyclist to win medals in the individual pursuit at three Olympic Games, having also won bronze in the individual event at Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000.

Not just a track cyclist, McGee also enjoyed success on the road becoming the first Australian to wear the leader’s jerseys in each of Europe’s three grand tour events – the Tour de France, Vueltaá Espana and the Giro d’Italia.

When he retired as an athlete, McGee took on a role as a team director on the World Tour before he returned home to Australia with his family.  He now heads up the NSWIS cycling program and is also the coach of Australia’s national men’s road team.

Whether you are a rider, coach, member of a club or event organiser this year’s conference offers something for everyone. As well as hearing from keynote speakers Brad McGee and Janine Shepherd, there are presentations on equine nutrition and physiology, rider fitness, horse welfare as well as seminars for clubs and event organisers on how to attract sponsors and much more.

EA Coaches and Officials who attend the two day conference will be able to count six updating pointstowards their forthcoming reaccreditation. Attendance may also count as a tax deduction.

A special early bird price is available on all tickets purchased prior to 12 July. Visit the Equestrian Australiawebsite for more information and to download the ticket booking form.

This year’s conference will be held in Sydney from 16-17 August.