Watch Paralympian Lee Pearson MBE OBE on Channel 4
last updated on August 26, 2010 14:25
With only 2 years before the 2012 Paralympic Games begin Channel 4 profiles some of Britain’s elite Para athletes and discovers why they excel at their sport.
In the first episode of ‘That Paralympic Show’ Lee Pearson MBE OBE teaches Celebrity Big Brother winner and cage fighter Alex Reid how to ride dressage. It seems that Alex has a natural flair for the sport as Lee said of the fighter, ‘he was a lot more talented than I thought he would be! He has a natural balance and bravery and handled the whole thing brilliantly. He’s got a naturally good seat but because it was his first time I did have to teach him the very basics, including rising trot!’
In a bid to make Great Britain Paralympic athletes household names, Channel 4 will broadcast ‘Inside Incredible Athletes’ uncovering how they train, analyzing personal traits and creating biomechanical portraits aimed at understanding how those at the pinnacle of Para sport encounter success in the face of adversity.
Despite being born with arthrogryposis multiplex congenital disease, a condition that severely impairs limb mobility through the locking and twisting of joints, Lee has won 21 gold Paralympic medals since 1998 and has set an equestrian world record by being unbeaten at three consecutive Paralympics.
The programme shows Lee achieving another dressage first as he performs a spectacular Swan Lake routine with ballet dancers (pictured) at the Albert Hall. Despite 15 operations Lee still has reduced mobility and this dramatic performance is made even more incredible by the fact that he controls his horse with his hips alone.
When asked about his motivation behind appearing on such high profile productions Lee explained that he is always promoting dressage and para sport, ‘showing people that it is not elitist and that the average Joe can get involved, I try to put a down-to-earth and comical spin on it.’
That Paralympic Show is showing on Saturday 28 August 1.25pm
Inside Incredible Athletes is showing on Sunday 29 August at 9pm
