Paris 2024: Laurentia Tan defies rain to shine in Paris finale

By Nicole Chia

Wet weather at the Chateau de Versailles did not dampen Laurentia Tan’s spirits ahead of her last event at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, as she rode out to the arena wearing a wide smile before the Grade I individual freestyle event. Watched by poncho-clad spectators under open umbrellas, Tan and her horse Hickstead (nicknamed Coco) gave a splendid performance to finish eighth with a score of 73.174 on 7 September.  

Laurentia Tan and her horse Hickstead making their way out for the Grade I individual freestyle event at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Credit: SportSG/Jeremy Lee

"I enjoyed riding the freestyle. I was disappointed with the scores but Coco did really well," said Tan. "The weather does affect the horses, some more than others. Some don't like the rain, some don't mind but I have to say that even I don't like the rain!  I think Coco was better with it than I was today!" 

Latvia’s Rihards Snikus, the silver medallist in this event at the Tokyo 2020 Games, clinched the gold with his score of 82.487. Italian Sara Morganti, the last rider on the start list, scored 81.407 to take silver ahead of Great Britain’s Mari Durward-Akhurst (77.747).

In the freestyle test, athlete-horse combinations perform mandatory movements to music of their choice. They are assessed on technical execution and artistic presentation by a panel of five judges around the arena, and the judges’ scores are totalled and converted to a percentage denoting the final score.

Laurentia Tan and Hickstead at the Grade I individual freestyle event at the Chateau de Versailles. Credit: SportSG/Jeremy Lee

Laurentia Tan and Hickstead performing during the Grade I individual freestyle test on 7 September. Credit: SportSG/Jeremy Lee

Tan, featuring in her fifth Paralympic Games, had qualified for the freestyle test after finishing fifth in the Grade I individual event earlier this week. She and Hickstead were the second combination to perform in the freestyle event, with The Hidden Rainforest by Thomas Burgersen being her chosen music. Tan has cerebral palsy and profound deafness, and wears a Subpac haptic vest for competitions. The vest vibrates to the music, which allows her to interpret the sounds and identify the rhythm of the music piece.

Laurentia Tan and Hickstead after the Grade I individual freestyle test on 7 September. Credit: SportSG/Jeremy Lee

The Singaporean made history at the Beijing 2008 Games when she became the first Asian athlete to win a para equestrian medal at the Paralympic Games. Her bronze in the individual championship Grade Ia was also Singapore’s first Paralympic medal. Tan also has an individual freestyle bronze from Beijing, and returned from the London 2012 Games with a silver and a bronze. In addition to her accomplishments at the Paralympic Games, the 45-year-old has also had numerous podium finishes at international competitions, including medals at the quadrennial World Equestrian Games. 

And she is not done. Tan remains eager to take on new experiences and competitions, saying: "After Paris, there will be new tests commencing in the new year. It will be interesting to see what elements will be added. The Asian Games will take place next year, and there will be the FEI World Championships in two years' time, in Germany. I look forward to competing in LA and seeing what amazing venues they have for the  2028 Paralympic Games."

The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games took place in Paris, France from 28 August to 8 September 2024. For the latest Team Singapore coverage and news, follow Team Singapore on their social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok) or visit the official Team Singapore website.