Paralympic Debutants Take Grade II, IB Gold Medals

The first equestrian medals of the London 2012 Paralmypic Games won by first-time Paralympians.
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Lots of firsts today with the first equestrian medals of the London 2012 Paralmypic Games won by first-time Paralympians. Natasha Baker in Grade II continued to perform superbly today winning gold with Cabral whilst in Grade Ib, Australia’s Joann Formosa and Worldwide PB created quite commotion when winning gold ahead of Lee Pearson, Paralympic champion since 2000.

Dreams come true in Grade II
Paralympic débutant Baker riding Cabral achieved her childhood dream, gold at the Paralympics on a Grade II record score of 76.857%. “From the age of 10 when I watched the Sydney Paralympics on television I said I would come to a Paralympic Games and win a gold medal,” recalled the 22-year-old. “I had always wanted to be a rider, and to be here and do what we’ve done today is just incredible. The horses make it what it is–they are just amazing animals. If I have inspired one person to go out there and do any sport, then I will be over the moon. It was Lee Pearson and the other riders who inspired me when I was 10 years old.”

Second and third place were close on her heels, with defending Paralympic champion Britta Napel taking silver on a score of 76.048% with Aquilina 3, and German compatriot Angelika Trabert and Ariva-Avanti in bronze medal position on 76%. Napel and Trabert whose score today will provide Germany with some very valuable points towards the overall mark, have participated in several Paralympics–Trabert is one of just three Para-Equestrians to have attended all of the Paralympic Games since equestrian sport joined the program in 1996, while Napel joined the squad for the 2004 and 2008 editions. The crowd greeted the medalists with a Mexican wave that toured the arena at least four times and made for an exceptionally moving prize-giving ceremony.

A new champion for Grade Ib
Another Paralympic first-timer stole the show this afternoon by dethroning the most decorated Para-Equestrian of all time, Pearson (GBR), with an elegant and harmonious performance on her stallion Worldwide PB. Australia’s Formosa’s third place on Thursday had alerted some to her medal potential, but it hadn’t really crossed anyone’s mind that she would be able to take on Pearson and Pepo Puch (AUT) on her second international appearance. The last time Joann competed internationally was in 2006 at Hartpury where she first met Pearson and set her sights on one day winning gold at a Paralympic Games. “It’s been the goal of my life” she said emotionally after the prize-giving ceremony. “When I’m out there I feel great. I may not have great legs, I may be a bit sluggish on some days, but put me on a horse and I am different person. I am free

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