Paralympic champion Anne Dunham retires

Great Britain’s Anne Dunham Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) has announced her retirement.

With a career spanning over 23 years, Dunham first represented her nation at the Para Equestrian Dressage World Championships in 1994, and has since gone on to amass a staggering 32 Championship medals for her country.

She won her 19th Paralympic gold medal at Rio 2016.

“This has been a hard decision, but I know it is right because I don’t want to start with a new horse and then have to part with him; Tokyo is four years away and I’ll be in my 70’s then and it’s time to give others a chance,” Dunham said. “I’ve loved it all, it’s been exciting, I’ve met some wonderful people and have travelled the world; I’ve done things I would never imagined I would have done. Horses and dressage has given me a varied and happy life.

“I must thank Pammy Hutton from Talland, who has been with me on this rollercoaster of a ride, supported me, helped me with owners and horses, trained me and become a great friend. My daughter Amber, who has groomed for me since 2000, travelled the world with me and given up her time to support me – I wouldn’t have had the success I have achieved if we hadn’t been on this journey together, and for the last few years, my sister Gill, who has travelled with us and has helped generally keeping me in order.

“World Class and the Lottery have made it all possible for me, as they have for so many other athletes, and have helped to take us to the height we are at now. Thank you to all the Lottery players who have made this all possible.”

Across five Paralympic Games, the 68-year-old has won 10 medals. With LJT Lucas Normark, Dunham helped ParalympicsGB defend their team title at Rio 2016. As well as contributing to the team result, Dunham also brought home two individual silver medals, and in the process, helped the Para equestrian team to its most successful Games to date.

More on Dunham’s retirement can be found on the British Equestrian Federation’s website.