Laurentia Tan

Laurentia Tan is a Singaporean-British equestrian, born on 23 May 1979, in Singapore. Despite being diagnosed with cerebral palsy and profound deafness at a young age, she has overcome these challenges to become one of the most successful Para Dressage riders in the world. Tan started horse riding at the age of 5 in the United Kingdom, where she moved due to her parents' pursuit for a better education system for children with special needs. Her talent was recognized early, and she began competing professionally in Para Dressage events.

Tan is renowned for her sheer determination, precise riding, and the unique bond she shares with her horses. She has won numerous awards and accolades, including multiple Paralympic medals, making her one of the most decorated equestrians in the history of the sport.

Off the field, Tan is also recognized for her advocacy work, particularly in raising awareness about disabilities and promoting the inclusion of people with disabilities in sports.

Early Career

• Tan began horse riding at a very young age and quickly developed a strong affinity for the sport. She competed in local and regional events, earning recognition for her talent and determination.

Professional Career

• Tan made her international debut in 2007 at the Hartpury Festival of Dressage, where she won the freestyle event.
• In 2008, she competed in the Summer Paralympics held in Beijing and won two bronze medals, making history as the first Singaporean to win a Paralympic medal.
• She continued to excel in the following years, winning a silver and bronze at the 2012 London Paralympics, and another two silvers at the 2016 Rio Paralympics.
• Tan has also achieved notable success at the FEI World Equestrian Games and the Asian Para Games.

Singapore Equestrian Team

• Debut: Made her debut for Singapore in 2007.

Achievements:

• Paralympic Games: Won two bronze medals in 2008, a silver and bronze in 2012, and two silvers in 2016.
• FEI World Equestrian Games: Placed fourth in 2010 and won a bronze medal in 2018.
• Asian Para Games: Won a gold and two silver medals in 2014.

• Discipline: Specializes in Para Dressage, a form of equestrian sport that involves a series of predetermined movements performed by the horse and rider.
• Skills: Known for her precise riding, ability to establish a deep connection with her horses, and her determination to succeed in the face of adversity.

• Family: Laurentia's family has been very supportive of her career. Her parents moved their family from Singapore to the UK to ensure she had access to better education and facilities.
• Advocacy: Apart from her sports career, Tan is also an active advocate for people with disabilities, often sharing her experiences to raise awareness and promote inclusion.

• Laurentia Tan is celebrated not only for her extraordinary talent and numerous records but also for her resilience, determination, and advocacy for people with disabilities. Her impact on the sport and her status as an inspiration extend beyond the field, influencing millions of people around the world.

Paralympic Medals:

• Two bronze (2008), one silver and one bronze (2012), and two silver (2016)

FEI World Equestrian Games:

• One bronze (2018)

Asian Para Games:

• One gold and two silver (2014)

Books

• Tan, L. (2017) Riding Free: My Journey to Becoming the First Singaporean to Win a Paralympic Medal. Singapore: Straits Times Press.

Websites

• Paralympics: Information about Laurentia Tan’s international career and achievements. Available at: https://www.paralympic.org
• Fédération Équestre Internationale: Details about Tan’s career in equestrian sports. Available at: https://www.fei.org
• Asian Para Games: Updates on Tan’s performance and records at the Asian Para Games. Available at: https://www.asianparagames.com

Articles

• The Straits Times: Laurentia Tan’s career highlights and records. Available at: https://www.straitstimes.com

Interviews and Documentaries

• Channel News Asia: Various interviews and features on Laurentia Tan, covering different aspects of her career. Available at: https://www.channelnewsasia.com