Sophie Wells, 21, from Harby, is one of TeamGB's stars of the Paralympic Games, winning a total of three medals - one gold and two silver.
Speaking of her daughter's success, Sophie Wells’ mum, Nicola, said: “It
has been absolutely incredible – and impossible to sum up what a
fantastic experience it has been for us. The volunteers have been great,
the setting has been wonderful and we are so delighted for Sophie.
“My heart was in my mouth as she went around the course on her
first individual ride – but she has done it and we are so proud of her.”
Already a double World Paralympic dressage champion as well as holding a string of other honours, Sophie paid tribute to Nottinghamshire County Council's Shining Stars Fund, saying: "It helps with travel costs and helps to pay the cost of entering competitions which is crucial to success in my sport."
Sophie, who trains at stables in Papplewick under the guidance of trainer Angela Weiss, has ridden horses since the age of eight and represented Great Britan since the age of 15.
Her personal courage and determination has been evident since before she was even born, suffering in her pre-term birth development with amniotic band syndrome, which left her being born with the loss of some fingers and a loss of feeling in key nerves in her body. As a result, one challenge she has faced is a lack of sensation in her feet, yet she has learnt to overcome such a huge hurdle in her life with her determination.
She added: "I am not superstitious but I carry a little card my trainer gave me when I was 14 which carries a colourful but philosophical phrase - which basically translates to mean keeping positive whatever happens in life!"
