Bunbury para-equestrian rider Sharon Jarvis has been named on the 2016 Australian Paralympic Team after the Australian Paralympic Committee officially announced the equestrian team that will compete at the Rio Paralympic Games this September.
It will be the second Paralympic Games for 37-year-old Jarvis, who will be competing with horse Ceasy in Grade III classification events.
Jarvis is eager to medal at Rio, after placing fourth in the individual championship test at the Paralympic Games at Beijing in 2008.
“I feel exceptionally lucky to be going to another Games where I can reach my ultimate goal of a podium finish,” Jarvis said.
“It is a very exciting opportunity, and getting to Rio makes all the hard work worth it. I'm honoured to have been selected to represent Para-equestrian and I’m proud to compete for Australia.”
Jarvis made her Australian debut in 2007, but showed the world what she was capable of when she won bronze medals in the individual test and freestyle test events at the 2010 World Equestrian Games.
Without a suitable horse to ride, Jarvis missed out on selection for the London 2012 Paralympic Games, but set her sights on making it to the Rio podium.
“My horse Ceasy is a Dutch Warmblood I was given the opportunity to get the ride through an Equestrian Australia organised syndicate. She is a sweet and funny girl with lots of quirks that make riding her fun. I really do enjoy her,” she said.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the Australian flag fly at another Games, and getting to the pinnacle of Paralympic sport with the horse I have been training with.”
Australia has won nine medals in equestrian at the Paralympic Games – three gold, one silver and five bronze, since it was introduced in Atlanta 1996.
Chef de Mission of the 2016 Australian Paralympic Team Kate McLoughlin hopes the tally can continue to grow in Rio.
“I would like to congratulate Sharon on her selection to the Australian Paralympic Equestrian Team. It is an honor to represent Australia at the peak of Paralympic sport, and she should be proud of her achievement,” McLoughlin said.
“After seeing Sharon’s performance in Beijing, I look forward to seeing her ride to a podium position in Rio.”
The Rio 2016 Paralympic Games will take place from September 7 to September 18.
