2004 Paralympic Games - Dressage

Lea Pearson Wins His Second Paralympic Gold Medal in Athens

September 23, 2004

Lee Pearson (GBR) outclassed his own previous perfomances in the Individual Freestyle Test in Grade I.

The judges were thrilled by his magical programme and awarded him an amazing 87%. This was a record-breaking test by the British rider who earned his second gold medal in the Athens Paralympic Games and the fifth overall in his incredible career.

"It couldn't be better that what we did today," Pearson said. "I don't think I've ever got higher marks than 85%! I'm very pleased with my horse. He did an excellent job. I did the ride of my life! I want to thank my trainer who told me to ride Blue Circle Boy strongly."

Pearson, a Leek resident, was the last to execute his programme, but when he went out he was the person of the day. He performed after Lynn Seidemann (USA), who was in the lead at that point of the competition.

Seidemann earned the silver medal, which is her first ever in Equestrian. She has already won one silver in Barcelona in 1992 in Women's doubles in Wheelchair Tennis. She now joins an elite group of athletes, who have stepped on the medals podium in different sports.

Seidemann (USA) got almost eleven points (76.063%) behind Pearson, but it was good enough to award the Texan athlete second place in the competition. "It was a good test," Seidemann said. "We did a lot better than the Individual Test. My horse was great today."

Jan Pike (AUS) delighted her fellow countrymen with another solid perfomance. Riding DR Doolittle, she gathered 74.375% to take the Bronze medal to match with the Silver she got in the Individual Championship.

The most heartbreaking incident of the morning session at Markopoulo Olympic Equestrian Centre was the participation of Valerie Salles (FRA). She is the rider whose horse Arestote suffered a heart attack and died on Tuesday. Salles was allowed to participate out of competition, when all the other riders had concluded their programmes. The French team borrowed Doonsquire Express from Brazilian rider Marcos Alves. Salles received a standing ovation from the crowd and left the arena with tears in her eyes.

Judi Island (CAN) didn't take part in the competition. During her warm-up in the training arena her horse Whirlwind threw her down. She was taken to the athletes' medical tent in an ambulance but according to the Canadian team she didn't suffer any serious injury.

Text and Photo source: www.olympics.com

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