With National Paralympic Day just over one month away, double gold medallist Natasha Baker is looking forward to Rio 2016, where she hopes to do “even better”.
On target
Since winningtwo gold medals at London 2012, Natasha and Cabral have gone on to claim treble gold at the 2013 European Championships and team gold and individual silver at last year’s World Equestrian Games.
Natasha now has another up-and-coming talent to compete on, in the guise of six-year-old Sookie St James. The mare scored in the 70s at her first Para competition and won theGrade II at theNationalDressageChampionships last year.
“I’m definitely on target in terms of the road towards Rio, in fact I’m in an even stronger position than before London because I’ve got an extra horse,” she said. “I don’t see any reason why we can’t do even better in Rio.”
London legacy
Before the next Paralympics, the 25-year-old has the European Championships to focus on.
“I’ve just got to keep up the good work and get myself selected,” she said. “I’m on target to do that and hopefully I can do well there.”
To keep her inspired, Natasha will be attending the National Paralympic Day on 26 July. Designed to continue the legacy of London 2012, the annual event at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park will see athletics and swimming stars come together to promote disability sport.
Great atmosphere
While equestrian sport isn’t featured, Natasha says she will going to meet the public and cheer on the athletes.
“I’m so excited about this year’s National Paralympic Day. It does not feel like London was that long ago. It’s really good to be back in the Olympic Park and to return to those memories,” she added.
“I have been to the last two years and it’s such a great atmosphere. Especially with Rio around the corner next year, it’s great to get the excitement building.”
Tickets for National Paralympic Day are available at Ticketmaster. #NPD2015 is supported by Spirit of 2012.