Nelson Pessoa

Nelson Pessoa Filho, nicknamed Neco, is a Brazilian show jumping rider born on December 16, 1935. He was among the first Brazilian civilians to do well in the sport, which the military had dominated in Brazil in his era. He competed at the 1956 Summer Olympics, finished fifth in the individual jumping at the 1964 Olympics, and moved to Europe in 1961. He won the 1966 European Show Jumping Championships, won twice at Hickstead, and was second in the Show Jumping World Cup in 1984 and again in 1991, riding Special Envoy. At the 1992 Barcelona Games, aged 56, he was the oldest equestrian competing, while his 19-year-old son was the youngest. He runs an equestrian school at Haras du Ligny in Fleurus, Belgium, founded the tack brand Pessoa Brands, and is the father of Olympic gold medallist Rodrigo Pessoa.