GRADE I
Favourite Lee Pearson and Blue Circle Boy wins Grade I competition
Defending champion Lee Pearson (GBR) defended his Paralympic title in the Individual Dressage Championship in Grade I. He won his fourth Paralympic gold medal at the opening day of Equestrian Competition at Markopoulo Olympic Equestrian Centre.
The British rider was the second to go and took a commanding lead ahead of the rest of the competitors. PEARSON received a total of 77.263% from the five judges and did a faultless perfomance riding Blue Circle Boy.
The silver medal was awarded to Australia's Jan Pike. Dr Doolittle, her British Warmblood horse,helped his rider to achieve a total of 71.895%.
There was a lot of drama concerning the rider who was going to earn the bronze medal. Keith Newerla (USA) was holding it in his hands towards the end of competition, but Sophie Cristiansen, the incredible youngster from Great Britain had something else on her mind.
With a personal best performance of 70% he beat Newerlas marks of 69.684% and gave the Team of Great Britain an unpredictable one-three in the medals podium.
GRADE III
Grade III First Gold for Criddle (GBR)
Deborah Criddle (GBR) added the Paralympic Gold medal in Individual Championship to her illustrious collection of silverware. The British rider was victorious in Grade III, as she was awarded with 74.400% by the judges for her programme. She is the now the current Paralympic, World and European Champion in her Grade.
The spectators who visited the Markopoulo Olympic Equestrian Centre today and watched the afternoon session witnessed a high-standard competition. The top five riders went over 70% in their marks.
Criddle prevailed ahead of Bianca Vogel (GER), the Silver medallist, who won the first Paralympic medal in her career. The 72.240% mark the German rider received by the judges almost guaranteed her a medal at the end of the day.
She edged out compatriot Bettina Eistel, who finished in third place. Eistel was the winner in yesterday's Warm-Up phase and shewas hopeful that she could claim the Gold medal. It wasn't to be though, as she gathered a total of 71.120%. That was good enough to put her in the Bronze medal position and to push Bert Vermeier (BEL) off the medal podium. The Belgian received 70.960% to finish in fourth place, while Jose Letartre (FRA) got 70.160% to close the top five in the competition.
For the first time in Paralympic history, Greece was represented in Equestrian. Nikolaos Sigkas (GRE), with no experience in major competitions, was ranked 15th with 60.160%. His perfomance delighted the crowd, who cheered during his programme execution.
More info, news and results on the Paralympic Games: visit www.athens2004.com
TOMORROW 22 SEPTEMBER
In Grade II, competition starts at 10:00 hrs with the participation of 20 riders which makes it the biggest field in the four Grades. A great battle is expected between the gold medallist of Sydney, Joop Stokkel(NED) and the bronze medallist of the previous Paralympic Games, Nicola Tustain from Great Britain.
The event in Grade IV starts at 14:00 hrs with the participation of 16 riders. Among the competitors of Grade IV is Sydney gold medallist Jayne Craike (NZL) and Sydney silver medallist Ann Cathrin Lubbe (NOR).
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Dressage is the only Equestrian discipline that is included in the Paralympic Games. The competitions are held over five days, between 21 and 26 September 2004.
The riders are assessed according to their impairment and functional profile and they classified into one of the four distinct grades - Grade I, Grade II, Grade III and Grade IV.
Grade I
Mainly wheelchair users with poor trunk balance and or impairment of function in all four limbs, or no trunk balance and good upper limb function, or moderate trunk balance with severe impairment of all four limbs.
Grade II
Mainly wheelchair users or those with severe locomotor impairment involving the trunk and with good to mild upper limb function, or severe unilateral impairment.
Grade III
Usually able to walk without support. Moderate unilateral impairment, or moderate impairment in four limbs, severe arm impairment. May need a wheelchair for longer distances or due to lack of stamina. Total loss of sight in both eyes, or intellectually impaired. Blacked out glasses or blindfold must be worn by Profile 36 riders.
Grade IV
Impairment in one or two limps, or some visual impairment
The classification takes also account of a weighting system for the bode areas most important for riding.
Campus
