Pearson adamant he is on track for record-breaking Paralympics

By Nick Clowes, Sportsbeat

NINE-time Paralympic gold medallist Lee Pearson insists history counts for nothing as he continues his preparations for a potentially record-breaking London 2012 Games.

EXPECTATION: Paralympic star Lee Pearson admitted the pressure will be cranked up as he bids for a record-breaking 2012 challenge (Getty Images)

Cheddleton-based para-equestrian star Pearson is bidding to be the first person to win three gold medals at four consecutive games and the early signs are good after an all-conquering 2009.

The 35-year-old scooped another three gold medals at the European championships in Norway in June and Pearson has now focussed his attentions on the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky next year.

But after admitting he felt the weight of expectation in Beijing last year, Pearson insists his previous record will be irrelevant when he goes for gold again in London.

"The pressure was on in Beijing so I can't even imagine what it will be like by the time London comes around," said Pearson.

"At the end of the day it is just about you and your horse and it doesn't matter what you have done before.

"There is so much attention around the Paralympics now in the run up to London and it's brilliant to be a part of it. We've campaigned for so long to get the recognition and now it's coming.

"The Great Britain team are the best in the world at para-equestrian and we are determined to stay there all the way up to 2012."

Pearson, who won his trio of Beijing gold medals on Gentleman, has added a new horse to his stable in 2009 - Zeon - and plans to give him his international debut at next summer's world games.

And with the countdown to the London games ducking under the 1000 days to go mark on December 3, Pearson is ready to lay down a marker to the rest of the field in the States.

"The worlds are a big competition for me," he added. "I'm resting up at the moment and not doing too much just so that I am right for that one.

"Zeon is a new horse in the stable so we wanted to give him a bit of experience and see if he's ready.

"Next year is a big year for me. I can't believe the Paralympics are less than 1000 days away and I'm sure it will come around fast just like the last three have.

"I can't wait for it - but there are a lot of medals to be won before we get there."