Astier Nicolas claimed two medals at his Olympic debut in Rio
The shortlist for the FEI Awards 2016, the Oscars of the equestrian world, have been unveiled this week with two eventing stars making the shortlist
27 year old Astier Nicolas, team gold and individual silver medal winner at this year’s Rio Olympic Games, has been nominated in the Best Athlete against Isabell Werth, Nick Skelton and Sophie Christiansen
Hannah Francis has been nominated in the Against All Odds Award, with the most nominations received across all categories.
The FEI announcement describes Hannah as “a promising event rider, dedicated to the sport, to her horses and an “equestrian” way of life. On the 1st of May 2015 at the age of 17, she was diagnosed with an aggressive bone cancer and suddenly had to put a halt to her equestrian ambitions, undergoing chemotherapy and several operations to try and get rid of the cancer.
At the same time, rather than lose hope and give in to the cancer, she began a charity to raise awareness of bone cancer, and raise funds for bone cancer research.
She also began what would become a lasting legacy – the Willberry Wonder Pony Charity – which grants horsey wishes to children with serious illnesses, from meeting a famous horse for the first time to meeting your equestrian hero or visiting Badminton Horse Trials.
The equestrian and general sports community was very quick to rally behind her. The FEI actually made a horse passport for Wilberry – a stuffed horse – which has been travelling the world and meeting many of the world’s greats.
She inspired thousands of people to raise money, especially throughout the equestrian community. Never giving in, setting new goals, she has shown incredible fight, determination and maturity.
She gave everything to just get back in the saddle, having been told when she was first diagnosed, that she would never ride again. But she did – riding a dressage test at Tatterstalls International.
Her legacy lives on through her registered charity 'Willberry Wonder Pony' with thousands of volunteers and a board of trustees ensuring her will to live and to set goals remains”
The FEI Awards Gala 2016, presented by Longines, will be held at the Prince Park Tower Hotel in Tokyo, Japan on November 22nd in five categories of Longines™ Rising Star, Best Groom, FEI Solidarity, Against All Odds and Best Athlete
