Australia’s Sharyn Gregory receives IPC honour for Para Classification Leadership

Australia

-- FEI press release

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has awarded Australia’s Sharyn Gregory the 2026 IPC Classification Recognition Award, recognising more than 25 years of her leadership, innovation and commitment to creating fair and effective classification pathways for Para athletes worldwide.

Pivotal Role

As FEI Head of Classification for Para Equestrian since January 2013 and Chair of the FEI Classification Working Group, Sharyn has played a pivotal role in shaping the evolution of the FEI classification system.

Under her leadership, the system has been modernised through updates to classification rules and resources, alignment with the IPC Classification Code, and the development of a dedicated FEI Classification database to improve consistency, governance and transparency.

Sharyn established the FEI Classification Research Strategy, providing a framework for evidence-based improvements and ensuring classification continues to evolve in a practical, robust and athlete-focused way.

A strong advocate for developing classification expertise worldwide, Sharyn has helped strengthen the global classifier workforce through her contribution to the FEI Classifier Education System Working Group and her role as Course Director for FEI Para Classifier education programmes and seminars.

Paralympic Movement

Her expertise has also contributed to the wider Paralympic Movement through her involvement in the IPC Classification Code review process for the International Standard for Classification Personnel supporting the 2025 IPC Classification Code.

A physiotherapist by profession, with extensive experience across health, disability and community sectors, Sharyn began her classification career as a National Classifier in 1998 before becoming an International Classifier in 2000 under the International Paralympic Equestrian Committee (IPEC).

FEI

Following the transition of Para Dressage governance to the FEI in 2006, she continued to play a key role in the ongoing development of the sport’s classification system.

“Sharyn’s contribution to Para Classification has been exceptional, and we are delighted to see her receive this recognition from the IPC,” FEI Secretary General and Founding President of the Association of Paralympic Sports Organisations (APSO) Sabrina Ibáñez said.

“Over more than two decades, Sharyn has been a driving force in the development of Para Dressage classification, combining deep expertise with a commitment to ensuring athletes and classifiers around the world have the support and systems they need to succeed.

“Para Equestrian sport is privileged to have someone with Sharyn’s rare combination of technical expertise, practical experience and principled leadership. She has the confidence to ask the important questions, the ability to translate real-world experience into effective policies and systems, and an unwavering commitment to achieving the best outcomes for athletes and the sport. Her integrity, fairness and genuine care for people are at the heart of everything she does.”