Paralympics: Pearson edges closer to third golden hat-trick

LEE Pearson underlined his status as the Paralympic equestrian king after scooping the seventh and eighth gold medals of his career in Hong Kong.

The 34-year-old from Cheddleton – who is bidding for a hat-trick of gold medal in the Far East – made it two down and one to go after tasting team and individual success.

Pearson joined forces with Simon Laurens, Anne Dunham and Sophie Christiansen to record a total of 439.608 as Britain remained the only nation to win the team event since its introduction in 1996.

Pearson hogged the individual headlines for the third successive games after posting a winning score of 73.238 per cent to oust Norway's Jens Dokkan.

Pearson's new horse Gentlemen has coped well with the pressures of the Far East and the Staffordshire ace is already dreaming of a golden-laden return at London 2012.

"This is crazy – a 100 per-cent success rate at the Paralympics with three different horses is incredible," he said. "I am completely over the moon – Gentleman is a young horse and he behaved impeccably – I am really happy and I couldn't have asked for more.

"I have a good backside and I think that's why I continue to win gold – I just hope that my success will inspire other people to achieve big things as well.

"I hope this will change my life and show people that I am not a 'flash in the pan'. I can't wait to finish here so I can begin planning for the Paralympics in 2012."

Pearson's Paralympic gold rush began eight years ago in Sydney when he twice beat off the charge of Denmark's Brita Andersen in the championship and freestyle events.

The Staffordshire rider repeated the trick with ease four years later in Athens, but with his immediate attentions turning to tomorrow's all important individual freestyle event – Pearson admitted the nerves are starting to build.

"Every time you win gold the pressure to repeat your success grows and grows," he added. "But I am going to do what I have done ever since I landed in Hong Kong and hopefully that will lead me to gold.

"I think the horse has grown to the atmosphere, so I won't have to worry about him not behaving – I'll just have to make sure I am fine."

Britain's Beijing equestrian tally currently stands at four after fellow Brits Dunham and Christiansen followed in Pearson's footsteps to claim gold and silver respectively.

But the Staffordshire ace admitted he won't be rolling out the Paralympic party bandwagon until his Hong Kong hat-trick is assured.

"All the riders are flying off to Beijing after the games to go to the village and to the closing ceremonies and hopefully some huge parties in my room," he said.

"It would be the perfect way to round off the Games and I want to do all I can to ensure I am not going home to Cheddleton unhappy.

"I have come so far and achieved so much, so I can't wait to wrap it all up."

Lloyds TSB, proud first partner of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and supporter of ParalympicsGB on their journey to 2012. Visit LloydsTSB.com/London2012