Joann Formosa in shock over Australia Day honour

“I opened the letter to find a gold embossed piece of paper telling me I was receiving an OAM and I couldn’t believe it. I got a bit teary, it was a great shock.

The succession of accolades continues for Paralympic gold medallist Joann Formosa, who was recognised on the Australia Day honours list last week.

The para-equestrian rider received an order of the merit of Australia for service to sport as a gold medallist at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

She was among the 35 Paralympic gold medallists to be recognised on Australia Day. The list also includes top names such as swimmer Jacqueline Freney, sailor Liesl Tesch and wheelchair rugby players Ryley Batt and Chris Bond.

In 2012, Formosa rode to victory in the grade Ib individual test at the London Paralympic Games, becoming the first Australian para-equestrian since the Sydney 2000 Games to win Paralympic gold.

In late 2013, the Victorian was internationally recognised by the FEI when she received the “Against All Odds” award, presented to a person who has pursued her equestrian ambitions in the face of adversity.

Formosa’s life-long dream of representing her country was realised at age 51 and in the time since claiming gold she has not looked back.

She said: “When I received the letter I said to myself, what’s this from the government? What have I done wrong?

“I opened the letter to find a gold embossed piece of paper telling me I was receiving an OAM and I couldn’t believe it. I got a bit teary, it was a great shock.

“My life since London has been a whirlwind but it’s been such a great journey.”