Philippa Johnson, the 2004 Athens Paralympic Para Dressage gold medallist, continues to compete at the highest level in equestrian sports. She is currently preparing for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics by participating in the Commercial Bank CHI AL SHAQAB event in Qatar. Despite knowing that her chances of winning gold again are slim against younger competitors, Johnson remains a fierce competitor and aims to secure a podium place at the Paralympics.

During the team test category of the Grade 4 Para Dressage competition at the Al Shaqab indoor arena, Johnson scored an impressive 70.50% with her horse, Lord Louis. She expressed her appreciation for being in Qatar, highlighted the increased competition and acknowledged the impressive performances of her rivals. Johnson’s goal is to continually improve in order to achieve success at the Paralympics.

Johnson currently holds third place in the team test event, with Brazil’s Rodolpho Riskalla and the Netherlands’ Lotte Krijnsen in first and second place respectively. Johnson and Lord Louis have been competing together for eight years and have experienced both highs and lows in their relationship.

The equestrian competition in Qatar is a prestigious international event that showcases showjumping, dressage, and para dressage. It is organized and hosted by the Qatar Foundation’s Al Shaqab, which is renowned for its state-of-the-art facilities. It is one of only five CHI competitions worldwide and is the first and only equestrian event of its kind in the Middle East and Asia region.

The Tokyo 2020 Paralympics’ Para Dressage competition will take place at the Tokyo Equestrian Park from August 27 to 31.