Sophie Christiansen retires from Paralympic sport

Sophie Christiansen has announced her retirement from Paralympic sport after an incredible Equestrian career spanning four Games.

She first represented ParalympicsGB aged just 16 at Athens 20004 and went on to compete at Beijing 2008, London 2012 and Rio 2016 winning a total of 10 medals of which eight were gold.

Sophie achieved an outstanding triple gold at London 2012 riding Janeiro 6 and repeated the feat at Rio 2016 this time with Athene Lindebjerg.

Writing on social media today, Sophie said: “After a 20-year competitive career, I have decided to retire from Para dressage. I was once told, “when you know, you know”. l used to wonder what this meant, but now I realise that I am more excited about the possibilities of what I could do outside of the sport than doing another 4-year cycle of highs and lows as an athlete.”

Penny Briscoe, Director of Sport at ParalympicsGB, said: “Since first meeting Sophie when she was a teenager at Athens 2004 she has always been both an incredible rider and the personification of the values we stand for at ParalympicsGB.

“I will never forget her superb triple gold medal performances under intense pressure at London 2012 and her success across multiple games is testament to her resilience and talent.

“Sophie’s legacy goes well beyond her medal achievements though, as she has been a passionate advocate for disabled people in the UK and was a powerful voice on our athletes’ commission for many years.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Sophie for her significant contribution to our proud history and wish her well in her future endeavours where I am sure she will continue to excel and inspire.”

She was also a valued member of ParalympicsGB Athletes’ Commission representing the views of athletes to the Board, Executive Team and Games Planning Group and ensuring the viewpoint of the athlete is represented across all areas of ParalympicsGB’s work.

Sophie was made a Commander of the British Empire (CBE) for services to Para equestrianism in the 2017 New Year Honours List.