After competing in Atlanta, Sydney, Athens, London, and Rio, José Letartre is now poised for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. At 60 years old, this distinguished para-jumper has excelled in numerous French and European championships and is currently one of the reserves for the French Paralympic team.
“This is the only medal I’m missing,” reveals José Letartre. With a lengthy career behind him, he first rode a horse at age 5 and entered his first competition at 14.
A 12-time French champion in para show jumping, he has already participated in five Paralympic Games. “The first ones I did were in Atlanta in 1996,” he recalls.
Special Games for the para athlete: “It was the first time that horse riding was included in the events. There were five French riders, and no selection events took place: they invited the best riders available at that time to participate.“
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However, his best memory remains the London Games. “London was fantastic, both visually and in terms of the crowd. The atmosphere was different, I think: the stands were just as full as for the able-bodied athletes. London has done a lot for the Paralympic Games,” José Letartre reminisces.
Throughout his Olympic journey, he achieved a 4th place in Athens in 2004, and a 6th place in both London and Rio in 2012 and 2016, respectively.
To facilitate his training, José Letartre balances another professional activity through “the convention for high-level athletes.”
Once a warehouse worker at Decathlon, he has been employed since 2006 in the cleaning service of the City of Paris.
This lifestyle enables him to hone his skills across multiple disciplines. While he has earned several accolades in para show jumping, he has also competed with able-bodied athletes, where he has “won some events at 1m30 and 1m35.”
Just because I have a disability doesn’t mean I can’t compete with able-bodied people.
This perspective is especially significant for the para rider. “Just because I have a disability doesn’t mean I can’t compete with able-bodied people,” he emphasizes.
One thing is clear: the paratrooper’s motivation is unwavering. At 60, he acknowledges being “realistic,” observing that “younger athletes are emerging,” but he still hopes to one day “join the able-bodied team for a Nations Cup.”
As a reservist, José Letartre recognizes that he has “little chance of participating in the events at the Paris Paralympic Games on September 3, 4, 6, and 7, but there remains a possibility.
Something similar occurred during the Olympic Games with Olivier Perreau, who also won a bronze medal.
If not in Paris, it will be in Los Angeles (in 2028) or Brisbane (in 2032) that I will pursue the Olympic medal.
Like José Letartre, the rider had been designated as a replacement during the official selection. However, the day before the team show jumping event, Kevin Staut’s horse was declared unfit: it was ultimately Olivier Perreau who competed with his horse Vougy.
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Despite everything, José Letartre remains optimistic. “If I don’t participate in these Paralympic Games, it’s no big deal. I’ve already competed in five; that’s not too shabby,” he adds, his voice carrying a smile.
The rider, with his impressive track record, is not giving up and is already looking four years ahead. “If it’s not in Paris, it will be in Los Angeles (in 2028) or Brisbane (in 2032) where I will strive for the Olympic medal.”
José Letartre: A Journey Through Competitive Para Show Jumping
After competing in Atlanta, Sydney, Athens, London, and Rio, José Letartre is poised to aim for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. The 60-year-old para-jumper has distinguished himself in various French and European championships and is currently one of the reserves for the French Paralympic team.
“This is the only medal I’m missing” reveals José Letartre. At 60, the para rider boasts a remarkable career beginning at the tender age of five. His first competition came at 14, which kicked off his journey in para show jumping.
Champion at Heart
With 12 French championships under his belt, José has participated in five Paralympic Games throughout his illustrious career. “The first ones I did were in Atlanta in 1996,” he fondly remembers.
He recounts, “It was the first time that horse riding was part of the events. There were five of us French riders; there were no selection events: they had invited the best riders at that time.“
Memorable Paralympic Moments
Despite his impressive accolades, José’s best memory remains the London Games. “London was fantastic, both visually and in terms of the crowd. The mentality was different; the stands were as full as for the able-bodied competitions. London has done a lot for the Paralympic Games,” he reminisces.
Athletic Achievements
- 4th Place: Athens 2004
- 6th Place: London 2012
- 6th Place: Rio 2016
Balancing Life and Sports
To sustain his training, José successfully manages a professional career. “Thanks to the convention for high-level athletes,” he states. Formerly a warehouse worker at Decathlon, he has worked for the City of Paris’s cleaning service since 2006.
Cross-Disciplinary Success
This dual lifestyle has allowed him to excel in various disciplines. While he has triumphed in para show jumping, he has also competed against able-bodied athletes, “winning some events at 1m30 and 1m35.”
Just because I have a disability doesn’t mean I can’t compete with able-bodied people.
A Spirit of Determination
José’s determination remains unwavering. At 60, he admits to being “realistic,” acknowledging that “younger athletes are coming,” yet he still dreams of joining the able-bodied team for a Nations Cup.
As a reserve, his chances of participating in the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games may be slim, but there’s always hope. On September 3, 4, 6, and 7, anything could happen.
Interestingly, similar occurrences have happened during Olympic Games. Olivier Perreau, initially a reserve, won a bronze medal after a last-minute change due to a horse issue.
If not in Paris, it is in Los Angeles (in 2028) or in Brisbane (in 2032) that I will go for the Olympic medal.
José reflects, “If I don’t participate in these Paralympic Games, it doesn’t matter. I’ve already done five; that’s not bad.” His optimism and love for the sport shine through, as he looks ahead with enthusiasm.
José Letartre’s Future Aspirations
With each competition, José continues to inspire others. He believes in the power of perseverance, equity in sports, and fostering a supportive environment for para athletes. His eyes are set on future opportunities, ensuring that his presence in para show jumping transforms the sport landscape.
Fostering Community Support
Engaging with fans and fellow athletes can further enhance his chances of success. Here are some practical tips José offers to aspiring para athletes:
- Stay Focused: Identify your goals and keep pushing toward them.
- Train Regularly: Consistency is crucial. Prioritize your training and physical health.
- Seek Mentor Support: Connect with mentors who can guide you on your athlete journey.
- Engage with the Community: Participate in local events and build a supportive network.
Join José on His Journey
As José Letartre continues to navigate his way through para show jumping, he remains a beacon of hope and inspiration for many. His story exemplifies resilience, skill, and the spirit of inclusion that characterizes the Paralympic Games. Whether he finds himself on the podium in Paris 2024 or beyond, his passion for the sport will undoubtedly thrive.
