Baker clinches second Paralympic gold

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Natasha Baker won her second gold medal of the London Games – and set another Paralympic record – by triumphing in the Grade II freestyle dressage.

The 22-year-old, who was born in Hammersmith and lives in Uxbridge, finished with a freestyle record of 82.800% on the horse she nicknamed JP.

It was more than 5% clear of German rival Britta Nappel and followed her victory in Saturday’s individual championship.

An overjoyed Baker, who is making her Paralympic debut, declared: “It’s fantastic. I’m so proud of JP .

“Two Paralympic records and two gold medals in my first Games in London – wow!

“It has been an amazing experience to be here and Rio won’t be the same without this crowd. They have been the best.”

Baker contacted transverse myelitis, an inflammation of the spine which affects the nerve endings, when she was 14 months old.

She was inspired to compete at the Paralympics after watching the Sydney Games on television and won two golds at last year’s European Championships.

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