Lee Pearson facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sir Lee Pearson CBE
Pearson in 2008
Personal information
Full name	David Lee Pearson
Discipline	Para-dressage
Born	4 February 1974 (1974-02-04) (age 51) Cheddleton, England
Horse(s)	Gentleman Zion B. Grandeur Styletta Roughcote Jupiter Breezer
Medal record Para-equestrian Representing  Great Britain Event 1st 2nd 3rd Paralympic Games 14 2 1 Paralympic Games Gold 2000 Sydney Mixed dressage championship grade I Gold 2000 Sydney Mixed dressage freestyle grade I Gold 2000 Sydney Mixed dressage team open Gold 2004 Athens Individual championship test grade I Gold 2004 Athens Individual freestyle test grade I Gold 2004 Athens Team Gold 2008 Beijing Individual championship test grade Ib Gold 2008 Beijing Individual freestyle test grade Ib Gold 2008 Beijing Team Gold 2012 London Team Gold 2016 Rio Individual freestyle test grade Ib Gold 2020 Tokyo Individual championship test grade II Gold 2020 Tokyo Individual freestyle test grade II Gold 2020 Tokyo Team Silver 2012 London Individual championship test grade Ib Silver 2016 Rio Individual championship test grade Ib Bronze 2012 London Individual freestyle test grade Ib

Sir David Lee Pearson, born on February 4, 1974, is an amazing British athlete. He is a 14-time gold medalist at the Paralympic Games in para-equestrian (horse riding for athletes with disabilities). He has competed in many Paralympics, including Sydney, Athens, Beijing, London, Rio, and Tokyo. Throughout his career, he has won an incredible 30 gold medals at European, World, and Paralympic events.

Many people call him the "Godfather" of para-dressage because of his huge influence.

About Lee Pearson

Lee Pearson was born in Cheddleton, England. He was born with a condition that affected his joints. When he was young, in 1980, he met British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. She carried him up the stairs at 10 Downing Street after giving him a "Children of Courage" medal.

Pearson decided to become a professional rider after being inspired by the Atlanta Olympics. He quickly became very successful.

Paralympic Success

Lee Pearson won three gold medals at the 2000 Summer Paralympics in Sydney. These were for championship dressage, freestyle dressage, and team dressage. He repeated this amazing feat at the 2004 Summer Paralympics in Athens and the 2008 Summer Paralympics in Beijing, winning three golds at each.

At the 2012 Summer Paralympics in London, he and his horse, Gentleman, won gold in the team dressage event. He also earned a silver medal in championship dressage and a bronze in freestyle. After the London games, he mentioned he would compete at the 2016 Summer Paralympics in Rio with a new horse named Zion.

Most recently, he and his horse Breezer, whom he raised himself, won three more gold medals. This happened at the 2020 Summer Paralympics in Tokyo.

Competition Achievements

Lee Pearson has an impressive record in many competitions. He has won medals at World Championships, European Championships, and the Paralympic Games.

Competition	Venue	Gold	Silver	Bronze	Total
1999 World Championships	Denmark	3	0	0	3
2000 Paralympic Games	Sydney	3	0	0	3
2002 European Championships	Portugal	3	0	0	3
2003 World Championships	Belgium	2	0	0	2
2004 Paralympic Games	Athens	3	0	0	3
2005 European Championships	Hungary	1	2	0	3
2007 World Championships	Hartpury	3	0	0	3
2008 Paralympic Games	Beijing	3	0	0	3
2010 FEI World Equestrian Games	Lexington	3	0	0	3
2012 Paralympic Games	London	1	1	1	3
2014 FEI World Equestrian Games	Caen	3	0	0	3
2015 European Championships	Deauville	1	2	0	3
2016 Paralympic Games	Rio de Janeiro	1	1	0	2
2018 FEI World Equestrian Games	Tryon	0	1	0	1
2020 Paralympic Games	Tokyo	3	0	0	3
2022 FEI World Championships	Herning	0	1	1	2
Paralympics total		14	2	1	17
World Championship total		14	2	1	17
European Championships total		5	4	0	9
Overall total		33	8	2	43

Awards and Recognition

Lee Pearson has received many special awards for his contributions to sports.

• In July 2005, he was given an honorary Doctorate from Staffordshire University. This is a special degree that honors his achievements.
• He was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2001. This was for his services to sports for people with disabilities.
• In 2005, he became an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). This was for his work in equestrianism and disabled sports.
• He was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2009. This was also for his services to equestrianism and disabled sports.
• In 2017, he was knighted, which means he received the title "Sir." This honor was for his amazing contributions to horse riding.

Personal Life

Lee Pearson manages his own horse riding stable in Staffordshire, England. He also teaches many people across the country how to ride and train horses. He is known for supporting fairness and equal rights for everyone. In 2020, he became a single foster parent to a 15-year-old foster son.

See also

In Spanish: Lee Pearson para niños

• 2012 Paralympics gold post boxes