Inspiring Member Story – Karen Gray – Bronze Medal-Winning Great British Showjumper

We love hearing about how the Club, exercise and fitness play a part in helping members achieve their dreams and goals. So, we were really pleased when member Karen got in touch to tell us that we have a showjumper amongst us – one who represents Great Britain and who last month achieved a podium finish and Bronze medal!

Karen, her husband and son have been active members since 2021, all regularly coming to the Club to support her training.

Karen is pictured below (far left) as part of team Audevard along with fellow members James Askew, Eve Hare and Anthony Clark, and they all recently travelled to Italy for the FEI Jumping Veteran European Championships in Riviera Resort, San Giovanni in Marignano.

In extreme heat and facing some fierce competition, Britain started in fourth place on day two as riders faced a testing and technical 1.25-1.35m course and a real team effort saw them pip Spain into third place and a Bronze medal.  A fantastic result!

Karen’s horse is the 14-year old Lexus Hof Ter Zeedycke and is pictured below.

When sharing her news with us, she told us what a key role general fitness and strength training has played in allowing her to compete at the highest level.  Karen told us that she tries to get to the Club as often as she can and that her sessions in the gym have helped her to get stronger, fitter and leaner. Focusing on strength training when in the gym, Karen has really seen the benefits from the time she has invested, saying:  

“I’m so proud of our team and for what we’ve achieved! I know that being stronger and fitter from my sessions in the gym have definitely helped me.”

You can read more on the British Showjumping website here.

Karen is now competing in Holland and we wish her and the team continued good luck!

Congratulations Karen!  What a fantastic achievement!