Paralympic Games Grade III

Deborah Criddle (GBR) followed in the footsteps of her countryman and fellow team member Lee Pearson.

Criddle prevailed in the Individual Freestyle test in Grade III and won her second gold medal at these Paralympic Games.

The British rider put on a great show in the afternoon session at the Markopoulo Olympic Equestrian Centre and with 81.722% topped the competition with a huge margin to separate her from second-placed rider Bettina Eistel (GER).

The German rider, bronze medallist in the Individual Championship, was the leader until half way through. Eistel had a superb programme, receiving 77.778% by the judges, in a test she later described as the ride of her life.

Bert Vermeier (BEL), after suffering a drama on Tuesday when he just missed out a medal, won his first-ever Paralympic medal, a bronze. The Belgian rider was awarded 74.722% and left Marita Hird (AUS) in fourth place.

The host country representative, Nikolaos Sigkas, came 14th amongst sixteen riders - with 61.278%.

Germany's Bianca Vogel, the silver medallist in the Individual Championship and Criddles main rival before the competition started, failed to finish her programme. She didn't feel well in the middle of her test, and despite the fact that her coach urged her to conclude her programme, she elected to abandon her effort.


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