Sophie Chirstiansen
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Paralympian says MBE was a 'big surprise'
By Mike PyleDecember 31, 2008
A Paralympian who won gold and silver medals at last summer’s games in Beijing has been recognised in the Queen’s New Year’s honours.
Sophie Christiansen, of Sunningdale in Ascot, was made an MBE for her services to disabled sport after her haul in equestrianism at the Paralympic Games in September.
Sophie, 20, has cerebral palsy and is studying a maths degree at Royal Holloway in Egham, Surrey, but still found the time to train hard for the games and was rewarded with her two medals.
Sophie said: “It was a big surprise and it’s nice to be recognised.
“I will get to meet the Queen as well so I’m looking forward to that. I just hope I can take my family as well – without my family I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Since her successes in Beijing where she won gold in the individual freestyle event and silver in the individual dressage championship Sophie said her year has been “hectic”.
She said: “Beijing feels ages ago now. Since then I’ve gone back to university to do my third year and I’ve been doing talks and events and things while enjoying the post paralympic events.
“It’s been hard and it’s been hectic but that’s the way I like it!”
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