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Profiles

  • Michael Whitaker
  • Competing for: United Kingdom
  • From: Nottingham
  • Age: 64

One of the founding members of a famous Whitaker show jumping dynasty, Michael Whitaker began competing on ponies aged 7. Michael trained with legendary Swedish coach Lars Sederholm when he was 16. He went on to make his international debut aged 16 and at 20 he became the Hickstead Jumping Derby’s youngest winner in 1980.

His most memorable career moments are winning eight European Championship medals. Michael has competed in 23 FEI World Cup Finals, finishing 2nd in 2005.

A regular on the British Nations Cup team, the last couple of seasons have been good for the England-born rider, winning a 2013 European Championship Team Gold and the 2013 LGCT Madrid Grand Prix. His parents remain his biggest influence and his advice to other riders is to always keep trying.  British Showjumping named him Leading Rider of the Year and Rider's Rider of the Year for 2006.

Fast Facts

1984 Olympic Team Silver medallist with Overton Amanda

1985/1987/1989/2013 European Championship Team Gold medallist with Warren Point, Overton Amanda, Mon Santa and Viking

1986 World Championship Team Silver medallist with Next Warren

1989 European Individual Silver medallist with Mon Santa

1990 World Championship Team Bronze medallist with Mon Santa

1991 European Team Silver medallist with Mon Santa

Competed in 1992, 1996, 2000 Olympic Games

Competed in 1994, 2006, 2010 and 2014 World Championship

1997 European Team Bronze medallist with Ashley

2007 European Team Bronze medallist with Portofino 63

2013 LGCT Madrid Grand Prix winner with Viking

2015 LGCT Shanghai Grand Prix Bronze medallist with Viking

2016 Global Champions League team riders for Antwerp Diamonds