2004 Paralympic Games - Dressage

Ann Cathrin Lubbe wins Grade IV Individual Paralympic Gold

September 23, 2004

Ann Cathrin Lubbe (NOR) captured the gold medal in the Individual Championship, competing in Grade IV.

The Norwegian rider went one better and improved on her performance in Sydney, where she had won silver in the Individual Championship and the bronze in the Team event.

Lubbe riding Zanko was the only participant who passed the 70% mark and by amassing 70.839% went to gold medal position and stayed there until the conclusion of the event.

"I'm satisfied with the marks I got, though it's not the highest result of my career," Lubbe said. ""Zanko was a little tight and nervous. I' prefer him being more calm."

The 33-year-old rider sent a message on Monday to her rivals that she is the woman to beat in this competition. In the warm-up phase she took first place with a commanding lead over the others. In fact, Lubbe is the only gold medal winner who has topped the warm-up session.

South Africa's representative, Philippa Johnson, won her first ever Paralympic medal. The South African champion, who lives and trains in Belgium for the last years, produced a solid performance and grabbed the headlines at Markopoulo Olympic Equestrian Centre.

The judges awarded her 69.871% for the execution of her programme with Burgmans Benedic.

"I am very pleased with my perfomance," Johnson said. "My main goal before I came here was to finish in the Top 5. I believe that with the marks I have been given by the judges, I will achieve my target."

Former Eventing champion for Canada, Karen Brain, in her first Paralympic outing, will return home with a bronze medal in her luggage.

The Canadian rider gained 69.677% and overcame by a small margin of points the defending Paralympic champion Jayne Craike (NZL). The latter was awarded 69.484% by the judges.

Kirsty Anderson (BER) riding Higham Fanfair withdrew from the competition.

Photo source: nfif.no

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