Focus on John Whitaker MBE

8
Apr
2009

John on Peppermill
(c) Your Horse Live

As Great Britain prepares for the London Olympics in 2012, competitors eligible for qualification are looking to shine for the valuable national team places. ‘Long lists’ and strategies have been prepared across most of the Olympic sports so those competitors in the running can focus on the task ahead.

Multiple members of the best known British show jumping family, the Whitakers, are strong contenders for selection for London 2012 and, if chosen, would be the only family in history to comprise an entire British team at any Olympics. John Whitaker, the oldest jumping member of this family, has represented Great Britain a remarkable 20 times in Olympic, World and European Championships competitions – he has over 35 years experience of competing at the top level in show jumping and has no plans hang up his boots in the near future.

Currently ranked fifth in the country, John regularly occupies the top spot of the British Show Jumping Association’s national rider rankings - determined by points awarded through affiliated competitions. The Whitaker family includes five of the UK’s top riders who are currently dominating the sport. John and brother Michael are household names, famous for their astounding achievements - including Olympic, World, and European Championship medals. In recent years, the younger generation Whitakers have become John and Michael’s competitive rivals. Following closely in their footsteps is John’s son Robert, niece Ellen and nephew William. Born into this family of show jumping legends, these young competitors are part of a new generation who have inherited the talent of their relatives and are taking the equestrian world by storm.

As the Whitaker brand has become synonymous with success, show jumping is once again becoming increasingly popular in the UK. As the sport’s status and following grows, show jumping personalities are stepping into the limelight and achieving greater recognition outside of the equestrian world.

John continues to represent his country, including competing for team GB at the Beijing Olympics 2008, and top owners are still queuing up for him to ride their horses.

Following the famous Whitaker 1-2-3 in 2008 which saw Robert crowned British Open Champion, Michael reserve and William take third place, and as part of their preparation for London 2012, Britain’s top ten riders, including John, Michael, Robert, Ellen and William, have been invited to compete at this year’s British Open Show Jumping Championships (16th – 19thApril at Birmingham’s NEC).