Meet the Para Equestrian Squad for Paris 2024 Paralympics

Countdown to Paris 2024: British Para Equestrian Stars Shine Bright

Georgia Wilson and her equine partner Sakura (Grade 2) made a remarkable debut at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, stepping up from the reserves bench at a moment’s notice. Their stellar performance culminated in two bronze medals, one in individual competition and another in freestyle. Since then, this duo has impressively claimed podium finishes at the FEI Para Dressage World Championship in 2022 and the FEI Para Dressage European Championship in 2023, showcasing their growing synergy and technical prowess.

Reflecting on her selection for the upcoming Paralympics, Wilson expressed her excitement: “I’m very excited and proud to be selected for Paris 2024 – I can’t believe I get to go to a second Paralympic Games with Sakura. I’m honoured and I can’t wait to go out and try my best in Paris.” This infectious enthusiasm is shared among the athletes, each vying to contribute to the British legacy in para equestrian sports.

Joining Wilson will be the seasoned competitor Sophie Wells (Grade 5), who is set to make her fourth Games appearance. A veteran of London 2012, where she claimed three golds and three silvers, and Rio 2016, Wells continued her success with team gold and individual silver at Tokyo 2020 aboard her new ride, Don Cara M. Her experience in high-pressure scenarios makes her a formidable contender.

Wells shared her thoughts on returning to the Paralympics: “I’m thrilled to be selected for Paris 2024 as my fourth Paralympic Games. It still feels surreal when we get to this point. I’ve been so proud of my horse, Don Cara M, throughout his selection campaign this year and am very grateful to his owner, Rowland Kinch. It’s starting to feel much more real now as we head into the final preparations for the Games.” Her commitment and gratitude underscore the symbiotic relationship between athletes and their horses, a true hallmark of equestrian sport.

The British team, comprised of four elite combinations, will aim for individual honours, with three of them also competing in the team event, a decision that will be resolved prior to the competition in Paris. This layer of strategy adds an intriguing dynamic, as each athlete must balance personal goals with team ambitions.

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Para equestrian’s Team Leader, Georgina Sharples, is leading her squad into her second Games, bringing a wealth of experience to the role. “It’s been a very strong campaign for all the British combinations aiming for the Games this year, and they certainly didn’t make this an easy decision for the selection panel,” Sharples remarked. She extends her congratulations to Mari, Georgia, Natasha, and Sophie for their selection and the exceptional journeys that took them there.

“There’s a great balance of experience and potential between our four athletes, and I look forward to seeing what they can achieve when we reach Versailles,” Sharples stated confidently. The prospect of fierce international competition only heightens the excitement. “The competition from other nations has never been fiercer, but we go to Paris with every intention of challenging for podium placings, and hopefully we can do everyone proud.”

The support behind these athletes is invaluable. Sharples noted, “None of this would have been possible without the support of our horse owners and the athletes’ home teams, who play such a vital role in our quest for success on the world’s biggest sporting stage.” This collective effort is reminiscent of the Olympic tradition, where teamwork and dedication transform individual effort into national pride.

Echoing this sentiment, Penny Briscoe, the ParalympicsGB Chef de Mission for Paris 2024, expressed her pride in the squad’s rich history of success. “It’s clear Natasha, Georgia, Sophie, and Mari – and their horses – are terrific talents. I look forward to seeing them in action in Paris later this summer.” Briscoe’s commitment to the athletes highlights her own passion for the sport and belief in their capabilities.

This summer, a total of around 220 athletes from 19 sports will represent Great Britain in Paris, with additional names to be revealed by ParalympicsGB shortly. At the Tokyo 2020 Games, ParalympicsGB achieved an extraordinary feat, winning medals in a record-breaking 18 different sports—the most of any nation. With a total of 124 medals, including 41 gold, 38 silver, and 45 bronze, the stage was set for a remarkable display of talent and determination that inspires future generations.

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The Para equestrian competition is scheduled to take place from 3 to 7 September in the stunning surroundings of the Château de Versailles, just outside Paris. This breathtaking venue will serve as the backdrop for these skilled athletes, who will demonstrate not just their athleticism but also the deep bond they share with their horses—a testament to resilience, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence. As we await the roar of the crowd and the heart-pounding excitement of competition, one thing is certain: our para equestrians are poised to etch their names in Paralympic history once again.