Michael Whitaker

Michael Whitaker
Personal information
Full name Michael Whitaker
Nationality  United Kingdom
Discipline Show jumping
Born (1960-03-17) 17 March 1960
Huddersfield
Height 5.8 ft 0 in (1.77 m)
Weight 152 lb (69 kg; 10 st 12 lb)
Michael Whitaker with Amai at Internationalen Pfingstturnier Wiesbaden 2013

Michael Whitaker (born 17 March 1960) is a British Olympic equestrian rider, who competes in the sport of show jumping. He was ranked 5th by the British Showjumping Association in March 2014.

Career

Younger brother of John Whitaker, Michael began competing on ponies at the age of 5. At the age of 16, he made his debut in international competitions and in 1980 he became the second youngest winner of the Hickstead Derby, at the age of 20. In September 1993 he took over from his brother John as the internationally top-ranked show jumping rider.

Personal life

Born and raised on his parents’ farm in Yorkshire. Michael and his three brothers John, Steven and Ian were taught to ride by their mother Enid, a keen horsewoman. Michael began riding aged three on a Shetland pony named Hercules.

In December 1980, Michael married Belgian show jumper Veronique. They separated in 1997, and later divorced following Michael's affair with his groom, Melissa Braybrooke[1]

Michael and Melissa married on the 13 August 2013 in a registry office in Nottinghamshire. They live at Whatton, Nottinghamshire with their children Jack, Molly and Katie.[2]

Major achievements

  • 1984: Olympic Games, Los Angeles. Team Silver medal with Overton Amanda
  • 1985: European Championships, Dinard. Team Gold medal with Warren Point
  • 1986: World Championships, Aachen. Team Silver medal with Warren Point
  • 1987: European Championships, St. Gallen. Team Gold Medal with Overton Amanda
  • 1989: European Championships, Rotterdam. Team Gold Medal and individual silver medal with Mon Santa
  • 1990: World Equestrian Games, Stockholm. Team Bronze medal with Mon Santa
  • 1991: European Championships, La Baule. Team Silver medal with Mon Santa
  • 1993: European Championships, Gijon. Team Silver medal and individual bronze with Midnight Madness
  • 1994: World Cup Final, 's-Hertogenbosch. 3rd place with Midnight Madness
  • 1995: European Championships, St. Gallen. Silver medals in team and individual with Two Step
  • 1997: European Championships, Mannheim. Team Bronze Medal with Ashley
  • 2001: World Cup Final, Gothenburg. 3rd place with Handel II
  • 2005: World Cup Final, Las Vegas 2nd place with Portofino 63
  • 2007: European Championships, Mannheim. Team Bronze Medal with Portofino 63

References

  1. ↑ "MLIFE IN THE SEXY SADDLE SET; blush!".
  2. ↑ "Michael Whitaker marries long-term partner".
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