David O’Connor has been selected as the winner of the 2000 AHSA Equestrian of the Year. O’Connor was chosen from a group of eight of the nation's most distinguished athletes, including top international competitors and Olympic veterans. O’Connor will have his name etched into history among such distinguished athletes as Pan American gold medalist Debbie McDonald, Endurance World Champion Valerie Kanavy, Saddlebred victors Elisabeth M. Goth and Michele Macfarlane, and Olympic show jumping silver medalist Anne Kursinski.

The AHSA Equestrian of the Year award is presented to the individual who has "demonstrated superior sportsmanship, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence in equestrian competition for the current year." The Executive Committee waived the procedures of previous years by acclamation given O’Connor’s outstanding achievement of becoming the Olympic champion. As an honor bestowed by equestrian peers, the award holds special significance for the winner. Among his outstanding achievements during the 2000 competition year, O’Connor brought home both the individual three-day event gold and team bronze medals from the Olympic Games in Sydney.

David O’Connor will be formally presented with this honor during the AHSA Annual Convention, January 10-14, Antlers Adam's Mark Hotel, Colorado Springs, CO, at the Friday night Pegasus Dinner

Image copyrighted: Arnd Bronkhorst - arnd.nl