Jan Pike ' OAM (born 10 February 1952)[1] is a Paralympic equestrian competitor from Australia. She was born in Sydney.[1] Pike won a bronze medal at the 2004 Athens Games in the Mixed Dressage – Freestyle grade I event and a silver medal in the Mixed Dressage – Championship grade I event.[2]

Jan Pike
Personal information
Born (1952-02-10) 10 February 1952 (age 72)
Sydney, Australia
Medal record
Equestrian
Paralympic Games
Silver medal – second place 2004 Athens Mixed Dressage – Championship grade I
Bronze medal – third place 2004 Athens Mixed Dressage – Freestyle grade I

Her horse for these events was named Dr Doulittle.[3] She was also a member of the Australian Paralympic Team at the 2008 Summer Paralympics, the equestrian events of which were held in Hong Kong.[4] She is an Honorary Life member of Equestrian Australia. In June 2021, she was awarded Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to people with disability.

Introduction to horseriding

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Pike, who has quadriplegic cerebral palsy, only started riding at the age of 27 when she took up the sport with Riding for the Disabled NSW and says, "The first time I sat in the saddle and experienced the freedom of movement I fell in love.[5][6] While riding with RDA NSW, she competed in several State and National Championships.

After leasing her own horse and beginning private lessons in 1999, she was selected to the Paralympic Squad.[7]

References

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  1. ^ a b Media guide : Athens 2004 (PDF). Sydney: Australian Paralympic Committee. 2004.[permanent dead link]
  2. ^ "Athlete Search Results". International Paralympic Committee. Retrieved 4 October 2011.
  3. ^ "Horsezone News: Five Minutes With... Paralympian – Jan Pike". horsezone.com.au. Retrieved 27 March 2021.
  4. ^ "Jan Pike". Federation Equestre Internationale.
  5. ^ "Paralympian Jan Pike recognised with an OAM". Equestrian Australia. Retrieved 16 June 2021.
  6. ^ Martin, Lisa. "Girl Guides celebrate centenary". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 27 March 2021.
  7. ^ "Horsezone News: Five Minutes With... Paralympian – Jan Pike". horsezone.com.au. Retrieved 27 March 2021.