Paris 2024: Best Para equestrian moments
Michele George from Belgium won her second gold medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympics in the Para equestrian individual freestyle event grade V. This was her seventh gold medal in total at the Paralympics. Earlier, she had won gold in the individual event grade V as well.
George had previously won gold medals in London 2012, Rio 2016, and Tokyo 2020. However, this was a bittersweet victory because her beloved horse, Best of 8, is too old to compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics. George was emotional about this being her last time riding Best of 8 at the Games.
Biggest Surprise
Rihards Snikus from Latvia made history by winning Latvia’s first Paralympic gold medal. He won gold in both the individual event grade I and the individual freestyle event grade I at the Paris 2024 Paralympics.
Snikus, who is also a DJ known as Richy Rich, said that horses are his main focus. He prefers being the best rider over being the best DJ.
Home Hero
The Château de Versailles, where the Para equestrian events took place, was praised for its beautiful setting. The venue provided a stunning backdrop with its gardens, lake, and palace.
Danish silver medallist Katrine Kristensen said she had never ridden in such a beautiful arena and enjoyed the experience. Belgian gold medallist Michele George called it a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and German bronze medallist Anna-Lena Niehues also felt honored to be part of it.
