Pearson won gold medals in the three equestrian dressage competitions in Athens in which he competed, and was also a triple gold medallist at the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games.
His gold medals came in the Individual Championship Test, Individual Dressage Test to Music and Team Competition on Blue Circle Boy. When he returned to Leek, hundreds of people turned out to salute him and he was presented with his hometown’s coat of arms.
He said: “I expected perhaps to win one medal. To get three is absolutely fabulous." He showed his consideration for his fellow competitors by asking for the flowers which he received at the gold medal presentation ceremony in Athens to be formally presented to a French rider whose horse had tragically died during the competition.
Pearson was born suffering from Arthrogryphosis. a condition that makes the muscles in the arms and legs grow as scar tissue, leaving babies severely disabled. After 15 major operations, he now walks with the help of crutches and leg splints. Pearson competes in dressage classes for riders with the most severe disabilities.
