Three-times Paralympian Lee Pearson said he isn’t fazed by the possibility of making history at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.
Pearson has collected the maximum gold medal tally from his three Paralympic Games to date – with a team gold and two individual golds from the Sydney 2000, Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008 Games.
If he produces a repeat performance on home turf at Greenwich he would take his gold medal tally from nine to 12 – surpassing the 11 golds won by Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson on the track and swimmer Dave Roberts in the pool.
But Pearson, who represents ParalympicsGB in the Grade Ia equestrian competition, said he hasn’t dwelt on the possibility of making history.
“It’s a novel thought that’s in the back of my mind, but that’s as far as it goes,” said Pearson, who will be riding his horse Gentleman for a second successive Games.
“If it happens I will probably be very happy, but I won’t be depressed if I don’t win the medals I’d like to. I will just focus on Rio.
“I don’t put myself under undue pressure before a Games. When I’m riding I’m so focused on the job in hand.
“I’m going to go and do my best,” he added. “Hopefully that will be a team gold and huge amount of individual gold medals for the team.”
The 38-year-old from Stoke-on-Trent rates ParalympicsGB’s five-strong equestrian team for London 2012 as the best yet.
“I think this is the strongest team we’ve ever had,” he said.
“We’ve been number one in the world since 1996. You need goals to move forward, to keep you strong and keep you focused. If you’re number one in the world you have to try even harder.”
