Joann Formosa receives OAM

Formosa has received an order of the merit of Australia for service to sport as a gold medallist at the London 2012 Paralympic Games

In attaining the award, Formosa is among more than 30 Paralympic gold medallists to be recognised this Australia Day.

In 2012 Formosa famously rode to victory in the grade IB individual championship test at the London Paralympic Games, becoming the first Australian Para-Equestrian since the Sydney 2000 Games to win Paralympic gold.

In late 2013 the Victorian was internationally recognised by the FEI at its annual awards function, receiving the Against All Odds award which is presented to a person who has pursued her equestrian ambitions in the face of adversity.

Formosa’s life-long dream of representing her country was realised at age 51 and in the time since claiming gold she hasn’t looked back.

The gold medallist said this latest gesture came as a surprise.

“When I received the letter I said to myself, what’s this from the Government, what have I done wrong.

“I opened the letter to find a gold embossed piece of paper telling me I was receiving an OAM and I couldn’t believe it. I got a bit teary, it was a great shock.

“My life since London has been a whirlwind but it’s been such a great journey.”

As well as being an historic victory for Australia, Formosa’s win in London was a significant triumph because she ended the reign of the world’s most successful Para-Equestrian rider to-date, Great Britain’s Lee Pearson. Prior to London, Pearson, a nine time Paralympic gold medallist, had won the grade 1B individual championship test at the three previous Paralympic Games.

Equestrian Australia congratulates Joann Formosa on this significant achievement.