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 mentioned: “What a blinding profession it’s been. To have fashioned gold medal-winning partnerships with such a wide range of horses exhibits true expertise and it’s been a pleasure to look at her compete on the world stage.
“One among 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 using, {qualifications} and profession or tirelessly campaigning for incapacity rights. She’s extremely pushed and gifted, together with her eye firmly on the larger image. Regardless of calling time on aggressive using, 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 the whole lot she’s completed for British para dressage – she’s one among our biggest ambassadors and has taken us on an incredible journey crammed with recollections. No matter comes subsequent, I’m positive that she’ll achieve success in all that she does – from planning her wedding ceremony to supporting a brand new era of riders.”
British Dressage CEO Jason Brautigam mentioned Sophie’s achievements elevated dressage to a brand new stage.
“And her energy, 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 mentioned. “On behalf of the entire para group, I want to specific our gratitude for all that Sophie has completed for British Dressage, as we have a good time her legacy on her retirement and want her all the most effective within the subsequent chapter of her life.”
Driving 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 very important in rising help for para dressage, nurturing rising expertise, and reshaping perceptions of para-sport and incapacity,” he mentioned.
“We’re proud to name her one among 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, mentioned it should have been a tricky determination for Sophie.
“You actually had an unimaginable profession, notably a minimum of 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 mentioned.
“Our complete group 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 affect and legacy on para dressage. Wishing you each success in your endeavours and new chapter.”
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