Main figures throughout the dressage world have paid tribute to the “inspirational” Sophie Christiansen after she referred to as time on her sporting profession.
H&H reported on Tuesday that the para dressage star, who has gained 30 championship medals for Britain, had introduced her retirement.
Sophie nonetheless plans to be concerned within the sport, to assist others obtain their goals.
British Equestrian para dressage efficiency supervisor Georgina Sharples stated: “What a blinding profession it’s been. To have fashioned gold medal-winning partnerships with such a wide range of horses reveals true expertise and it’s been a pleasure to look at her compete on the world stage.
“One in all Sophie’s defining traits has at all times been her whole dedication to something she places her thoughts to, whether or not that’s her driving, {qualifications} and profession or tirelessly campaigning for incapacity rights. She’s extremely pushed and proficient, together with her eye firmly on the larger image. Regardless of calling time on aggressive driving, I do know that she’ll nonetheless be serving to to develop and develop our sport from the sidelines.
“I wish to thank Sophie for all the things she’s accomplished for British para dressage – she’s considered one of our best ambassadors and has taken us on a tremendous journey stuffed with reminiscences. No matter comes subsequent, I’m certain that she’ll achieve success in all that she does – from planning her marriage ceremony to supporting a brand new era of riders.”
British Dressage CEO Jason Brautigam stated Sophie’s achievements elevated dressage to a brand new degree.
“And her power, braveness and resilience impressed numerous others, underlined by the truth that she stays the one para dressage rider to have been nominated for BBC Sports activities Persona of the Yr,” he stated. “On behalf of the entire para neighborhood, I want to specific our gratitude for all that Sophie has accomplished for British Dressage, as we rejoice her legacy on her retirement and want her all the very best within the subsequent chapter of her life.”
Using for the Disabled Affiliation CEO Michael Bishop added that Sophie has impressed numerous riders.
“Her private achievements will resonate for generations of aspiring Paralympians, whereas her campaigning has been important in rising help for para dressage, nurturing rising expertise, and reshaping perceptions of para-sport and incapacity,” he stated.
“We’re proud to name her considered one of our personal and want her each success as she transitions from aggressive sport. We eagerly anticipate her future achievements.”
Michel Assouline, coach of the UK para dressage workforce between 2005 and 2017, stated it should have been a tricky resolution for Sophie.
“You really had an unbelievable profession, notably at least being twice a Paralympic triple gold medallist, London 2012 and Rio 2016, which I had the honour to witness as a part of the GB workforce, and several other world and European Championships gold medals too!” he stated.
“Our total neighborhood is actually in admiration of your extraordinary accomplishments. The reminiscence of your presence on the world stage as a top-class athlete and superb wellbeing goes to ship an enduring impression and legacy on para dressage. Wishing you each success in your endeavours and new chapter.”
You may additionally be occupied with:
Sophie Christiansen after successful freestyle gold on the Rio 2016 Paralympic Video games.
Credit score: PA Archive/PA Photos
William Fox-Pitt and Tamarillo at Badminton 2008
Credit score: Future
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H&H information editor
Eleanor is an skilled journalist who spent over eight years working for native and nationwide newspapers earlier than becoming a member of H&H as information editor in March 2016. Captivated with equine welfare and exposing the reality, Eleanor has reported on all facets of the trade, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage guidelines to mules. Her sport of alternative is showjumping, wherein she competes her personal horses, and she or he additionally enjoys reporting at native leaping reveals by means of to worldwide championships.
