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.

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. Altrenogest is a female hormone that Whitaker claimed was present in the sample due to a mix up in feed buckets. Whitaker was found to be negligent for the positive test.

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.

He married his second wife on 13 August 2013. They live in Whatton, Nottinghamshire with their children. Their son Jack is also a show jumper. His niece Ellen and nephews Donald, Robert and William are also show jumpers.

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-Escoublac. Team Silver medal with Mon Santa 1993: European Championships, Gijón. 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