Laurens has sights on medal

Tuesday 17th June 2008, 2:59PM BST.

JERSEY dressage rider Simon Laurens will represent Great Britain at this year’s Paralympics in Hong Kong.

As a disabled rider, it is a heartening story which only came about because he was not prepared to allow multiple sclerosis to change his attitude to life when diagnosed with the condition in 2004.

The 40-year-old, who spends most of the year in the Cotswolds, has been chosen after an exceptional year during which he won the dressage competitions at Oldencraig, Surrey, Vale View in Leicestershire and Bromyard, Herefordshire.

He also gained international exposure in May by competing at the Manheim International Para Dressage tournament in Germany where he won gold and silver medals. ‘I’m a perfectionist, and if I can’t do something properly, I don’t want to do it at all,’ he said after his selection.

*Picture: Mr Laurens with his horse Ocean Diamond

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