The parents of Great Britain's equestrian rider Lee Pearson, David and Linda, have revealed that the Paralympic medallist thought that he had let his family down after failing to win gold in the individual freestyle event.
The 38-year-old has picked up a team gold and individual silver during the London Games but failed to equal the record of Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson's 11 gold medals by winning bronze in the freestyle dressage.
"Lee does feel that he has let us down by not getting three gold medals again, but we are obviously still very proud of him," David Pearson told the Leek Post & Times.
"There were 13 riders in yesterday's competition who did not get a medal at all. People don't realise what it takes to get to the Paralympics, never mind getting a medal or not."
Linda added: "Lee would have loved to have gained three gold medals in his home country, but I think to get a medal in all three is fabulous."
The pair also confirmed that Pearson will attempt to claim gold in the Rio Games in 2016.
Danielle Joynson
