Sir Lee Pearson suspended by British Equestrian amid investigation into conduct
British Equestrian has confirmed Sir Lee Pearson – Great Britain’s third most successful Paralympian – is suspended amid an ongoing investigation into his conduct following his non-selection for Paris 2024.
The 50-year-old won 14 golds between 2000 and 2021, a total bettered only by cyclist Dame Sarah Storey and swimmer Mike Kenny.
Quick GuideHow do I sign up for sport breaking news alerts?
Show
- Download the Guardian app from the iOS App Store on iPhone or the Google Play store on Android by searching for 'The Guardian'.
- If you already have the Guardian app, make sure you’re on the most recent version.
- In the Guardian app, tap the Menu button at the bottom right, then go to Settings (the gear icon), then Notifications.
- Turn on sport notifications.
ParalympicsGB last month named an all-female dressage team of Natasha Baker, Mari Durward-Akhurst, Sophie Wells and Georgia Wilson for the Games in the French capital.
Pearson – GB’s flag bearer for Rio 2016 – has not competed since March 2023. He declined to comment on his suspension but has, on social media, expressed ambitions of returning at Los Angeles in 2028.
“British Equestrian and British Dressage are aware of concerns and allegations that have arisen around an individual within the dressage community,” read a British Equestrian statement.
“In accordance with our own procedures, the matter is under active investigation and the individual is suspended from both organisations while that investigation takes place. No further comment will be made at this time.”
Equestrian events are scheduled to begin on Tuesday at the Château de Versailles.