Sydney Collier

Shortly after Sydney Collier began riding at age seven, she was diagnosed with the rare Wyburn-Mason Syndrome, a life-threatening condition that causes arteries and veins to grow together causing vascular malformations (AVMs) in the brain. Years of experimental treatment and a resulting massive stroke took a toll on her body, but she never relinquished the dream of returning to the saddle and the sport that she loved. Her belief and perseverance earned her a spot on the US Para Dressage Team at age 16, and Sydney was the youngest competitor at the 2014 World Equestrian Games in France. At age 18, she won the 2016 US Para Dressage National Championships and became the youngest member in the 2016 Equestrian Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro as a part of Team USA, placing seventh overall in her division. In addition to her Paralympic goals, Sydney has dedicated her life to service and maintains a busy schedule that includes athletic training, equestrian training, guest speaking, volunteering, babysitting, and giving riding demonstrations at a variety of events.