Sir Lee Pearson has competed in six Paralympics, winning a total of 17 medals British Equestrian and British Dressage have lifted 14-time Paralympic gold medallist Sir Lee Pearson's suspension after an internal investigation into his conduct. Pearson did not take part at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris but is now free to compete internationally after his membership was reinstated. "With immediate effect, Sir Lee will return to the British Equestrian World Class Programme and his membership of British Dressage is fully reinstated which enables him to compete and coach nationally and internationally," a statement from British Equestrian read. The 51-year-old is Britain's third-most successful Paralympian with 14 gold medals, only bettered by cyclist Dame Sarah Storey and swimmer Mike Kenny. Pearson, a Great Britain flagbearer at Rio 2016, had stated his desire to compete at the Los Angeles Paralympics in 2028, something ParalympicsGB said it was open to in a statement released last year. "Lee has publicly stated he did not seek to qualify for Paris 2024 for personal reasons," it read. "This is a matter for him and British Equestrian and in no way detracts from his past achievements or possibility that he may seek to qualify for future Paralympic Games." Pearson's suspension was in place before a four-strong British Para-equestrian team was named for the Paris Paralympics last year. He had not competed since March 2023 and therefore was not eligible for selection. His suspension was not connected in any way to equine welfare.
Equestrian body lifts Sir Lee Pearson's suspension
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"Sir Lee Pearson's Suspension Lifted by British Equestrian and Dressage"
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TruthLens AI Summary
Sir Lee Pearson, a distinguished figure in the equestrian world and a 14-time Paralympic gold medallist, has had his suspension lifted by British Equestrian and British Dressage following an internal investigation into his conduct. Pearson, who has competed in six Paralympic Games and amassed an impressive total of 17 medals, will now be able to return to international competition after having his membership reinstated. According to a statement from British Equestrian, he will rejoin the British Equestrian World Class Programme immediately, allowing him to compete and coach both nationally and internationally. Pearson previously opted out of the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris for personal reasons, and his suspension did not impact his eligibility for future events, including the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles, where he has expressed a desire to compete.
At 51 years old, Pearson is recognized as Britain's third-most successful Paralympian, surpassed only by cyclist Dame Sarah Storey and swimmer Mike Kenny. He served as the Great Britain flagbearer during the Rio 2016 Games, showcasing his prominence in the sport. Although he has not competed since March 2023, Pearson's achievements remain unblemished, and British Equestrian emphasized that his suspension was unrelated to any issues concerning equine welfare. The organization has clarified that Pearson's decision to forgo participation in the Paris Games was a personal choice, and they remain supportive of his potential aspirations for future Paralympic competitions. With the lifting of his suspension, Pearson is now positioned to re-engage with the sport he has passionately represented for many years.
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