When Laurentia Tan was born, doctors diagnosed her with cerebral palsy and profound deafness, and told her parents that she would never be able to walk. But fast forward 33 years, and not only can this equestrienne walk and drive, but has also clinched three bronze medals for Singapore in the Paralympics as well — two in the 2008 and one in 2012.
Despite her unstable muscle movements and her inability to hear, this winner of the Her World Young Woman Achiever award in 2008 and her horse Ruben James 2, finished with a score of 73.650 in the Dressage Individual Championship Test – Grade 1a, earning her a bronze medal — the first for Singapore at this year’s games.
Tan is allowed to have someone with her to indicate when the music starts and when she can begin. Despite this obstacle, she has wowed experts with her impressive precision and control.
Sophie Christiansen of Great Britain took home the gold with a score of 82.750, while Helen Kearney of Ireland took silver with a score of 76.700.
