Sir Lee Pearson was not available for Paris Paralympics selection as he had already been suspended amid an ongoing investigation into his conduct. Pearson’s suspension was in place before a four-strong British para equestrian team was named for Paris.
Pearson – Great Britain’s third most successful Paralympian – has not competed since March 2023 and therefore was not eligible for selection. His suspension is not connected in any way to equine welfare.
British Equestrian confirmed 50-year-old Pearson’s suspension. He won 14 gold medals between 2000 and 2021, a total bettered only by cyclist Dame Sarah Storey and swimmer Mike Kenny.
ParalympicsGB named an all-female dressage team of Natasha Baker, Mari Durward-Akhurst, Sophie Wells and Georgia Wilson for the Games in the French capital.
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Pearson, who was GB’s flag bearer for Rio, declined to comment on his suspension but has expressed ambitions on social media of returning at Los Angeles in 2028.
“British Equestrian and British Dressage are aware of concerns and allegations that have arisen around an individual within the dressage community,” read a British Equestrian statement.
“In accordance with our own procedures, the matter is under active investigation and the individual is suspended from both organisations while that investigation takes place. “No further comment will be made at this time.”
Equestrian events are scheduled to begin on Tuesday at Chateau de Versailles, with British riders among medal contenders throughout team and individual competitions.
ParalympicsGB remain open to Pearson returning for future Games. “Lee has publicly stated he did not seek to qualify for Paris 2024 for personal reasons,” read a statement from the British team.
“That is a matter for him and British Equestrian and in no way detracts from his past achievements or the possibility that he may seek to qualify for future Paralympic Games.”
