Born with Cerebral Palsy, Sophie Christiansen was determined to succeed.  At age 13, her riding trainer at the South Bucks Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) said, “I could see she had talent from the beginning.”  Sophie won a huge trophy and proved him right. Sophie, now 22 has won two Paralympic medals for Britain’s dressage team.

But riding is only one aspect of Sophie’s success she also passed her driving test and graduated with a first-class degree in Advanced Mathematics.  She’s constantly challenging herself to fulfill her potential in all areas of her life.

Her first taste of success came through Riding for the Disabled. What is so incredible about her achievement is that she only has partial control of her limbs and struggles with balance and co-coordination.  Finding a sport where she could compete against like-bodied people was a life-changing experience.

A physiotherapist at her school recommended the activity thinking it would help Sophie with her walking.  And it did.  Within a few weeks her co-ordination and core stability began to improve. Sophie thinks riding is much more fun than physio exercises!

She first received the Paralympic call in 2004. Flattered and excited, she went to Athens to represent Britain at dressage, but had no real expectations – she did it for the experience. Her trainer had different ideas. He felt that she was going to win a medal, and he was right. Sophie won a bronze in the classification for severely disabled athletes.  It was a life-changing experience and began a new phase in Sophie’s life.

Before the Paralympic Games, Sophie was shy and self-conscious about her stilted speech and unsteady walk. But the experience in Greece defined her, she says. “I started to believe in myself.”

Sophie went on to win three medals at the Beijing Paralympics in 2008, and now makes regular visits to local schools to show disabled children her medals. “I want them to see what can be achieved from grassroots RDA.”

Sophie’s sights are now firmly focused on London 2012. “The amazing thing about the Paralympics is that everyone there has overcome some kind of personal challenge. If we can do it, everyone else can, too.”

About RDA

For more than 40 years, RDA has been delivering opportunities for therapy, achievement and enjoyment to people with disabilities.  Founded as a National Organization in 1969, RDA now has over 500 Member Groups across the UK - together, these Groups help 30,000 people take part in riding, carriage driving and vaulting activities. To learn more go to http://www.rda.org.uk/