Will Simpson
Beezie Madden on Authentic and Will Simpson on Carlsson vom Dach
Personal information
BornJune 9, 1959 (1959-06-09) (age 64)
Springfield, Illinois, U.S
Medal record
Equestrian
Representing the  United States
Olympic Games
Gold medal – first place2008 Beijing Team jumping

William "Will" Simpson (born June 9, 1959, in Springfield, Illinois) is an American show jumping competitor and Olympic champion.[1]

At the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, Simpson won the gold medal as part of the United States team in team jumping, together with McLain Ward, Laura Kraut, and Beezie Madden.[2]

In 2010 Simpson was featured in the television series A Rider's Story[3] along with his wife, fellow Grand Prix show jumper Nicole Shahinian-Simpson.

Early life

Simpson grew up in Peoria, Illinois. He was one of six children, and his mother signed him up for riding lessons alongside his sister.[4] He began riding when he was 11 years old at the Sangamon Pony Club. His first horse was Glenda Jo, a Thoroughbred mare. His mentors were George Morris, Rodney Jenkins and Bernie Traurig.[5]

Career

Simpson worked for Rodney Jenkins before setting out on his own in California. His business is based around riding, training and selling horses.[6]

Simpson was the 2008 Olympics Show Jumping Team Gold Medalist, riding Carllson Vom Dach. Over his career, he has been a five-time World Cup finalist, the winner of over 75 Grand Prixs, and held the World Wall Record for ten years. He currently holds the North American High Jump Record.[7]

Personal life

Simpson is divorced and has two children, Sophie and Ty. He plays tennis, skis, and cooks.[8]

References

  1. ↑ "Will Simpson". Beijing Olympics. Yahoo! Sports. Retrieved August 18, 2008.
  2. ↑ Harvey, Randy (August 18, 2008). "U.S. show-jumpers win gold in Hong Kong". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved August 18, 2008.
  3. ↑ www.equestrianlife.com
  4. ↑ "Will Simpson". Team USA. Archived from the original on January 5, 2016. Retrieved November 13, 2018.
  5. ↑ "Will Simpson | Equestrian Coach". www.equestriancoach.com. Retrieved November 13, 2018.
  6. ↑ "Will Simpson". Team USA. Archived from the original on January 5, 2016. Retrieved November 13, 2018.
  7. ↑ "Will Simpson | Equestrian Coach". www.equestriancoach.com. Retrieved November 13, 2018.
  8. ↑ "Will Simpson". Team USA. Archived from the original on January 5, 2016. Retrieved November 13, 2018.


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