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SOPHIE’S
STORY
To
me, the Paralympics are the peoples’ Olympics; not everyone can run
as fast as Usain Bolt, but they can associate themselves with what
Paralympians do—so what if you get a “knock back” in life, as
long as you have a dream, you can go out there and achieve it. —
Sophie Christiansen, 2009
Sophie
Christiansen is a Paralympic equestrian athlete. Against all odds,
this woman of courage and determination has achieved greatness.
21-year-old Sophie Christiansen on her horse Lambrusco III, lent by
the Para Dressage Training Trust, won two gold medals and a silver
medal establishing a world record in equestrian events at the 2008
Beijing Paralympics.
Born
with a severe form of quadriplegic cerebral palsy, Sophie began her
equestrian journey at the age of six as a form of physiotherapy. At
12, Sophie was referred to a local stable with a trainer who helps
prepare riders for international competition—and the rest has been
history!
Sophie
began international competition at the age of 15 in Madrid. She was
selected for the British team for Athens 2004 at the age of 16 with
the expectation of earning no more than experience for future
Paralympic competition. But Sophie earned more than experience; this
extraordinary young woman brought home a bronze medal in the
Individual Championship Test!
The
whole experience was extraordinary and raised my game completely; I
learnt the importance of teamwork, became more confident and less
self-conscious… and generally grew up. —
Sophie
Christiansen, 2009
Sophie
continued to compete internationally and earned more awards while
preparing for the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games. She won three gold
medals at the European Championships in Hungary in 2005, and one gold
and one bronze at the World Championships in the United Kingdom in
2007.
Entering
the Beijing Paralympics with her characteristic tenacity and
strength, Sophie and Lambrusco III had trained and practiced well,
seeking a competitive edge. They were ready. As they entered the
arena Sophie thought, “I
can do this if Lambrusco and I pull off the movements we’ve
practiced.” And,
they did! With the heart of a champion, Sophie brought home a gold in
the Freestyle Test, a silver in the Championship Test, and a second
gold in the Team Competition, setting a team world record.
There
is nothing like the thrill of receiving an individual gold medal as
you listen to your national anthem. —Sophie
Christiansen, 2009
Sophie
Christiansen has met many celebrities and has been incredibly
honoured in her journey. Her photo-portrait was featured at the
National Portrait Gallery in an exhibition called Exceptional Youth.
Paul McCartney, in a video made to benefit the British Paralympic
Association, called Sophie Christiansen a “hero.” Sophie was
honoured in 2009 with being made a Member of the Order of the British
Empire. But Sophie Christiansen, MBE, continues to be deeply grateful
for the special people who have assisted her through her challenges
and been a part of her successes.
I
am the nurses who resuscitated me after I had a heart attack and a
collapsed lung as a tiny baby. I am my Dad, who caught me each time I
fell off my pony as I tried to start jumping at age 9. I am the
volunteers at the Riding for the Disabled Association. I am my school
physical education teacher who recognized me as a sportswoman. I am
the famous and inspirational people I have met as well as my brother,
who has always treated me like a normal sister. —Sophie
Christiansen, 2009
Sophie
Christiansen still has a dream. Her Paralympic equestrian history has
chapters still to be written as this spirited young woman continues
her journey riding toward London 2012.
Team Sophie - Cheques can also be sent to Alan Carr at Carrs
of Ascot, 7 High Street, Ascot, SL5 7JF, and should be made payable to Team
Sophie Support Fund
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