Michael Whitaker

Michael Whitaker (born 17 March 1960) is a British Olympic equestrian rider, who competes in the sport of show jumping. He was ranked 5th by the British Showjumping Association in March 2014.

For other people named Michael Whitaker, see Michael Whitaker (disambiguation).

Michael Whitaker
Personal information
Full nameMichael Whitaker
Nationality Great Britain
DisciplineShow jumping
Born (1960-03-17) 17 March 1960
Huddersfield
Height5.8 ft 0 in (1.77 m)
Weight152 lb (69 kg; 10 st 12 lb)
Medal record
Equestrian
Representing  Great Britain
Olympic Games
Silver medal – second place 1984 Los Angeles Team jumping
World Championships
Silver medal – second place1986 AachenTeam jumping
Bronze medal – third place1990 StockholmTeam jumping
European Championships
Gold medal – first place1985 DinardTeam jumping
Gold medal – first place1987 St. GallenTeam jumping
Gold medal – first place1989 RotterdamTeam jumping
Gold medal – first place2013 HerningTeam jumping
Silver medal – second place1989 RotterdamIndividual jumping
Silver medal – second place1991 La BauleTeam jumping
Silver medal – second place1993 GijonTeam jumping
Silver medal – second place1995 St. GallenTeam jumping
Silver medal – second place1995 St. GallenIndividual jumping
Bronze medal – third place1993 GijonIndividual jumping
Bronze medal – third place1997 MannheimTeam jumping
Bronze medal – third place2007 MannheimTeam jumping
Michael Whitaker with Amai at Internationalen Pfingstturnier Wiesbaden in 2013

Career

Younger brother of John Whitaker, Michael began competing on ponies at the age of 5. At the age of 16, he made his debut in international competitions and in 1980 he became the second youngest winner of the Hickstead Derby, at the age of 20. In September 1993 he took over from his brother John as the internationally top-ranked show jumping rider.

In 2009 Whitaker was banned from competition for four months after his stallion Tackeray tested positive for a synthetic hormone altrenogest during a competition in France.[1] Altrenogest is a female hormone that Whitaker claimed was present in the sample due to a mix up in feed buckets.[2] Whitaker was found to be negligent for the positive test.[3]

Personal life

Born and raised on his parents' farm in Yorkshire. He and his three brothers were taught to ride by their mother Enid, a keen horsewoman. Michael began riding aged three on a Shetland pony named Hercules.

In December 1980, Whitaker married Belgian show jumper Veronique. They separated in 1997, and later divorced.[4]

He married his second wife on 13 August 2013. They live in Whatton, Nottinghamshire with their children.[5]

Major achievements
  • 1984: Olympic Games, Los Angeles. Team Silver medal with Overton Amanda
  • 1985: European Championships, Dinard. Team Gold medal with Warren Point
  • 1986: World Championships, Aachen. Team Silver medal with Warren Point
  • 1987: European Championships, St. Gallen. Team Gold Medal with Overton Amanda
  • 1989: European Championships, Rotterdam. Team Gold Medal and individual silver medal with Mon Santa
  • 1990: World Equestrian Games, Stockholm. Team Bronze medal with Mon Santa
  • 1991: European Championships, La Baule. Team Silver medal with Mon Santa
  • 1993: European Championships, Gijon. Team Silver medal and individual bronze with Midnight Madness
  • 1994: World Cup Final, 's-Hertogenbosch. 3rd place with Midnight Madness
  • 1995: European Championships, St. Gallen. Silver medals in team and individual with Two Step
  • 1997: European Championships, Mannheim. Team Bronze Medal with Ashley
  • 2001: World Cup Final, Gothenburg. 3rd place with Handel II
  • 2005: World Cup Final, Las Vegas 2nd place with Portofino 63
  • 2007: European Championships, Mannheim. Team Bronze Medal with Portofino 63

References
  1. "Doping scandal: Michael Whitaker banned". EQUISPORT. 27 June 2009. Retrieved 11 November 2022.
  2. Guardian Staff (10 September 2009). "British showjumper Michael Whitaker faces a disciplinary hearing in London". The Guardian. Retrieved 11 November 2022.
  3. "Michael Whitaker Suspended for Doping". Horse Sport. Retrieved 11 November 2022.
  4. "LIFE IN THE SEXY SADDLE SET; blush! - Free Online Library". www.thefreelibrary.com.
  5. Donald, Jennifer (19 August 2013). "Michael Whitaker marries long-term partner". Horse & Hound.
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