Belgium attends the two new gold medals of Michèle George, our Nafi Thiam of equestrian sports
It’s true that her track record has nothing to envy to those of our greatest champions: Nina Derwael, Nafi Thiam, Tessa Wullaert, Emma Meeseman… and others Sanne Kant.
Of course, comparing individual titles and merits for different disciplines does not make much sense, but those of Michele George leave you in awe: 6 medals at the Paralympic Games (5 Gold and 1 Silver), 2 Gold medals at the World Championships, and countless Grand Prix victories. For more than 10 years now, our compatriot has been the Queen of the discipline, in her handicap category (Grade 5, that of the lightest handicaps), as well as a fantastic driving force for the Belgian Para-dressage team.
If I don’t bring back two medals, I jump out the window
The double gold medalist of the last Paralympic Games (victory in the compulsory event and in the “Freestyle”) evokes the next World’s Championships (10-14/8, Herning, Denmark) with very clear ambitions: “At each competition, the counters are reset. And my rivals will also continue to progress. But to be honest, I must recognize that our duo with my mare”Best of 8“is even stronger than in Tokyo. If the judges rate what they must rate, that is to say essentially the technical quality, and not the show, window dressing, I am the favorite”.
One of the weapons of the rider of the LEWB (Equestrian League Wallonia Brussels) is her mind, quite surprising. “I know how high the expectations are: on the part of the federations, the ministries, the public, those around me and the media. It puts a lot of pressure on my shoulders. But as soon as I’m with my horse, focused on the events, this pressure no longer exists. All that remains is my pleasure in riding, my excitement to compete and my determination to be the best.”
The Paralympic Games remain more exciting and prestigious than the Worlds
If she brings back two new world titles, Michèle will be delighted and proud, of course, but will consider them above all as a step: “This will prove that my mare and I are on the right path. That of Paris 2024. The Paralympics shine even more than the Worlds, and in 2024 our duo will be at the top of their game“.
The two events in which Michèle George will participate will be broadcast on Auvio: Thursday 11/8 from 5.30 p.m. and Sunday 14/8 around 2.15 p.m. or 3.30 p.m. depending on whether Grade 3 passes before or after Grade 5.