Sjef Janssen has advised the KNHS of his resignation as National Coach Dressage Seniors for the Netherlands. Janssen is disappointed in an important part of the top and subtop of the Dutch Dressage riders. He feels that he is not getting their full support and the commitment that is necessary for a team to prepare itself for the 2008 Olympic Games.
Sjef is well known as a “driven” person. He will do his utmost to reach the goals he has set and during the last months it has become clear to him that not everyone on the team shares this attitude.
Janssen will concentrate on the preparation of Anky van Grunsven and individual team members who choose to keep training with him. Together with Anky, Sjef will still give his utmost to reach a successful team result in Hong Kong.
The KNHS has expressed its disappointment about Sjefs decision. They felt that the team was on the right track with its preperation towards the Hong Kong Olympics. George de Jong, KNHS director for Top Sport said that Sjef has given new dimensions to the preparation and support of the dressage team in a very professional manner. The KNHS will start discussion with the top riders soon to discuss their route to the European Championships in 2007 and the Olympic Games in 2008.