Lifetime Of Service To Para Equestrian Recognised With Prestigious IPC Classification Award

For almost three decades, few people have had a greater impact on one of the Paralympic Movement’s most important pillars than Australia’s Sharyn Gregory. 

That remarkable contribution has now been recognised on the world stage, with Gregory receiving the 2026 International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Classification Recognition Award at the IPC Annual Classification Meeting in Bonn, Germany. 

One of the Paralympic Movement’s highest honours for classification, the award recognises individuals whose expertise, leadership and commitment have made a significant contribution to classification worldwide. 

Gregory’s influence has been both rare and far-reaching, spanning the earliest days of Para equestrian classification in Australia to the international systems that underpin the sport today.  

Before she evolved into one of the sport’s most respected classification leaders, her journey began with Equestrian NSW in 1998, where she combined her expertise as a physiotherapist with a lifelong affinity to horses and equestrian sport. Armed with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Physiotherapy and a Master of Primary Health Care, Gregory brought together clinical expertise, disability sector experience and a deep understanding of athlete support. 

She went on to serve as Chief Classifier for Equestrian Australia, supporting the development, administration and delivery of classification nationally. In 2000, she became an international classifier, beginning a global contribution that continues today. 

Since 2013, Gregory has served as Head of Classification for the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), overseeing classification matters for Para equestrian worldwide. She remains Australia’s only FEI international Para equestrian classifier. 

Beyond Para equestrian, Gregory has also contributed to the broader Paralympic Movement through her involvement with the IPC Code Review Sub-Committee for the International Standard for Classification Personnel and Training, helping strengthen standards around classifier education, competency and integrity. 

For Paralympics Australia Classification Lead, Amy Williamson, Gregory’s contribution is one that has left an indelible mark. 

“It is hard to know where to start when talking about Sharyn’s contributions,” Williamson said. 

“Over the past 28 years, she has not only been a dedicated classifier but has played a huge role in building and shaping Para equestrian classification in Australia.”

“Sharyn wrote the national classification rules, trains and supports every new national classifier who joins the sport and is always there to guide the NSO on anything classification related.  

“Her passion, knowledge and commitment are what make her such a deserving recipient.” 

While Gregory’s foundations were built in Australia, her influence now reaches well beyond national borders. 

Equestrian Australia Para High Performance Lead, Nick Hunter, said Gregory’s leadership has earned enormous respect both nationally and internationally. 

“Sharyn has been a central person to classification in Para equestrian in Australia, but also internationally,” Hunter said. “For a long period, she really carried our classification system in Australia and ensured its continuity.” 

Hunter said Gregory’s leadership as an international classifier and FEI Head of Classification represented a significant achievement. 

“Since 2000, she’s been an international classifier, working with the international classification panel and helping develop classification systems around the world. 

“To have an Australian chairing the FEI Classification Committee in what has traditionally been a very European-based sport is a remarkable achievement.” 

Hunter said the honour reflected the esteem in which Gregory is held globally. 

“It’s significant for an Australian to be recognised by the IPC in this way.” 

“It says a lot about the regard people around the world have for Sharyn and the work she’s done over many years. It’s wonderful recognition for someone who has contributed so much.” 

Williamson said the recognition was also a proud moment for Australia’s wider classification community. 

“There are so many classifiers around the world, and only a handful are recognised with an IPC Classification Recognition Award, so it’s a huge achievement. 

“It’s a reflection of Sharyn’s years of dedication and contribution to the sport, and it’s something that Equestrian Australia, Paralympics Australia and the wider Australian classification community should all be incredibly proud of.” 

True to character, Williamson believes Gregory herself is unlikely to have seen the award coming. 

“Over her 28 years in classification, Sharyn has never sought recognition,” Williamson said.

“She does this work purely out of her passion for Para equestrian and classification.” 

Paralympics Australia CEO, Cameron Murray, said Gregory’s recognition was a fitting acknowledgement of a contribution that has strengthened not only Para equestrian, but the broader Paralympic Movement. 

“On behalf of Paralympics Australia, I congratulate Sharyn on this outstanding honour,” Murray said. “Recognition of this calibre is reserved for those who have made a lasting contribution to their field, and Sharyn’s influence can be seen in the systems she has strengthened, the people she has guided and the confidence she has helped instil in classification across Para sport.”

“Sharyn’s contribution represents the very best of what classification stands for- expertise, integrity and an unwavering commitment to ensuring athletes can compete with confidence. Her work has strengthened our sport and created a legacy that will endure well beyond this recognition.”