2004 Paralympic Games - Dressage

Criddle Wins Grade III Individual Olympic Championship

September 21, 2004

Deborah Criddle (GBR) added the Paralympic Gold medal in Individual Championship to her illustrious collection of silverware. The British rider was victorious in Grade III, as she was awarded with 74.400% by the judges for her programme.

She is the now the current Paralympic, World and European Champion in her Grade.

"I'm really pleased with my performance as well as with my horse’s reaction," Criddle said. "At the beginning of my career in these games, I used to be very nervous but as years went by I overcame it. I've learnt to control my strain and that helps me a lot."

The spectators that visited the Markopoulo Olympic Equestrian Centre today and watched the afternoon session witnessed a high-standard competition. The top five riders went over 70% in their marks.

Criddle prevailed ahead of Bianca Vogel (GER), the Silver medallist, who won the first Paralympic medal in her career. The 72.240% mark the German rider received by the judges almost guaranteed her a medal at the end of the day.

""This is the best test I’ve ever done. During my programme I had problems so I had to hold the reins with my mouth in order to control my horse."

Vogel edged out compatriot Bettina Eistel, who finished in third place. Eistel was the winner in yesterday's Warm-Up phase and she was hopeful that she could claim the Gold medal. It wasn't to be though, as she gathered a total of 71.120%. That was good enough to put her in the Bronze medal position and to push Bert Vermeir (BEL) off the medal podium.

The Belgian received 70.960% to finish in fourth place, while Jose Letartre (FRA) got 70.160% to close the top five in the competition.

For the first time in Paralympic history, Greece was represented in Equestrian. Nikolaos Sigkas (GRE), with no experience in major competitions, was ranked 15th with 60.160%. His perfomance delighted the crowd, who cheered during his programme execution.

Source: www.olympics.com
Images copyrighted: Dirk Caremans - Archive Photos from the 2003 World Championships

Read Also: Roger Fitzhardinge's Report on the Paralympics

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