Michèle George

Michèle George
George at the 2012 Summer Paralympics
Personal information
Nationality	Belgian
Discipline	Para-dressage
Born	2 January 1974 (1974-01-02) (age 50) Ostend, Belgium
Horse(s)	Fbw Rainman Best of 8
Medal record Para-equestrian Representing  Belgium Event 1st 2nd 3rd Paralympic Games 7 1 0 World Games 4 1 0 Total 11 2 0 Paralympic Games 2012 London Individual championship test grade IV 2012 London Individual freestyle test grade IV 2016 Rio Individual freestyle test grade IV 2020 Tokyo Individual championship test grade V 2020 Tokyo Individual freestyle test grade V 2024 Paris Individual championship test grade V 2024 Paris Individual freestyle test grade V 2016 Rio Individual championship test grade IV World Games 2014 Caen Individual championship test grade IV 2014 Caen Individual freestyle test grade IV 2022 Herning Individual championship test grade V 2022 Herning Individual freestyle test grade V 2010 Lexington Individual freestyle test grade IV

Michèle George (born 2 January 1974) is the most decorated Belgian Paralympic equestrian who has achieved significant success in para-dressage, winning multiple gold and silver medals at the Paralympic Games and World Equestrian Games. She has been recognized numerous times for her contributions to the sport and is noted for her resilience and determination following a life-changing accident in 2008. Next to her equestrian career, she works as Director in a global company and is President of INTER at the Belgian Government.

Born in Ostend, West Flanders, Belgium, Michèle George began riding horses at the age of twelve. She initially rode racehorses and later explored show jumping. Her interest shifted to dressage after meeting a dressage rider, which led her to focus on this discipline.

In 2008, Michele experienced a severe accident while lunging a young horse, resulting in hemiplegia of her left leg. Doctors predicted she would spend the rest of her life in a wheelchair. Refusing to accept this prognosis, she worked tirelessly to regain her mobility, eventually progressing from taking a single step to walking again. Her determination led her back to horse riding, where she resumed training with her horse FBW Rainman.

Michele began competing in Grade V para-dressage events following her recovery. In 2009, she made her international debut at the European Championships in Kristiansand, Norway, where she secured a silver medal. This performance marked the beginning of her professional para-dressage career.

At the 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games in Lexington, USA, Michele and her gelding FBW Rainman won a silver medal in the individual freestyle para-dressage test.

Michele achieved significant success at the 2012 London Paralympic Games, winning two gold medals in the individual championship and individual freestyle tests with FBW Rainman. These victories made her the first Belgian rider to win a gold medal in para-dressage at the Paralympics and made her the first double paralympic champion. That same year, she became the first para rider to receive the Equigala Award for Belgium's Rider of the Year and was bestowed the title "Commander of the Order of the Crown" by King Philippe of Belgium.

Continuing her success with FBW Rainman, Michele won two gold medals and became double World champion at the 2014 FEI World Equestrian Games in Caen, France, in both the individual para-dressage and freestyle events.

At the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, she secured another gold medal in the individual freestyle and a silver medal in the individual championship test with her beloved FBW Rainman.

In 2019, Michele competed at the European Championships in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Partnering with her new horse Best of 8, she continued to demonstrate her skills at the international level. She nursed her new horse through the test and was rewarded with double Bronze.

In 2021, Michele competed at the Tokyo Paralympic Games with her mare Best of 8, winning double gold medals in the individual championship and freestyle tests. For the second time in a row she was the golden lady with her new partner in crime. She was also honoured as Belgium's flag bearer during the opening ceremony.

At the 2022 FEI Para Dressage World Championships in Herning, Denmark, Michele and Best of 8 secured double gold again in both the individual championship and freestyle tests.

In 2024, Michele competed at the Paris Paralympic Games with her mare Best of 8, writing history. She achieved her best performance and became double paralympic champion again, for the seventh time in a row! The FEI called her the Queen of Para dressage.

• 2012
  • First Belgian rider to win a gold medal in para-dressage at the Paralympic Games.
  • Bestowed the title "Commander of the Order of the Crown" by King Philippe of Belgium.
  • Received the National Trophy Victor Boin.
  • First para rider to win the Equigala Award for Belgium's Rider of the Year.
  • Named Best Belgian Athlete of the Year.
• 2014
  • Awarded Paralympic Athlete of the Year.
• 2020
  • Named flag bearer for Belgium at the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Paralympic Games.
• 2021
  • Crowned Citizen of Honour in her hometown, Waregem, Belgium.
  • Received the Paralympic Sport Award from the Belgian Paralympic Committee for two gold medals in Tokyo.
  • Won the Equigala Trophy for Best Athlete of the Year.
• 2022
  • Named Athlete of the Year at the Equestrian Sports Gala in Brussels.
  • Received the Belgian Sports Gala Trophy for Best Athlete of the Year.
  • Awarded Paralympic Athlete of the Year.
  • Honoured with the Badge of Honour from the Flemish Community.
• 2023
  • Recognized for the Best Achievement of the Year by the Belgian government.
  • Named Best Rider of the Year.
  • Awarded for Best Performance of the Year.

• 2009: European Championship, Kristiansand, Norway – Silver Medal
• 2010: FEI World Equestrian Games™, Lexington, USA – Silver Medal
• 2012: Paralympic Games, London, UK – Two Gold Medals
• 2014: FEI World Equestrian Games, Caen, France – Two Gold Medals
• 2016: Paralympic Games, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – Gold and Silver Medal
• 2019: European Championship, Rotterdam, Netherlands- Two Bronze Medals
• 2021: Paralympic Games, Tokyo, Japan – Two Gold Medals
• 2022: World Championship, Herning, Denmark – Two Gold Medals
• 2023: European Championship, Riesenbeck, Germany - Two Gold Medals
• 2024: Paralympic Games, Paris, France – Two Gold Medals

Michèle George has two children and shares her passion for horse riding with one of them and with her husband. She resides in Waregem, Belgium, where she was named a Citizen of Honour in 2021.

Michèle George is celebrated for her resilience and determination, overcoming significant physical challenges to become one of the most successful para-dressage riders in Belgian history. Her story serves as an inspiration to many, demonstrating the power of perseverance and passion in achieving excellence both in sports and business. Through her continuous efforts and upcoming participation in the 2024 Paralympic Games in LA, she aims to further solidify her legacy and inspire others facing adversity.

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