As the 2024 Olympics games in Paris, France, continue, we’re spotlighting world-class immigrant and refugee athletes who are competing or have competed for the U.S. National Team. Today, we spotlight seven-time Olympic Equestrian and three-time Olympic medalist, Philip Dutton.
Phillip Dutton was born in Nyngan, Australia, on September 13th, 1963. Growing up on his family’s farm, Dutton was naturally introduced to riding horses at a very young age. He spent his childhood competing in various competitions and continued to pursue riding at Newington College and later Murrumbidgee College of Agriculture.
As his passion for riding expanded, Philip aimed to immerse himself in an internationally competitive circuit. Though he initially narrowed his competitive future down to competing in England or the United States, he recognized a greater opportunity in the U.S. In 1991, he finalized his plans and settled in Chester County, Pennsylvania.
Although he resided and trained in the United States, Dutton competed in three Olympic Games for the Australian National team between 1996 and 2004. He secured two gold medals while competing for his former Australian squad in ’96 and ‘00. Despite rising to the top of his sport, he grew uncomfortable winning competitions for Australia while his pride for the U.S. continued to blossom.
In 2005, Dutton’s wish to give back to the country that provided him so much galvanized his quest to become a naturalized citizen. He gained his U.S. citizenship and, a year later, competed as a member of Team USA from 2008 to 2020. In the 2016 games, he added a bronze medal to his resume.
Though he’s since retired from Olympic competition, Phillip Dutton and his wife still own, manage, and train horses at their two farms in West Grove, Pennsylvania, and Loxahatchee, Florida. He spends most of his time coaching young riders and is still immersed in the riding community throughout the U.S. and North America.
Read more about the other refugee and immigrant Olympians we have featured in honor of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France:
Abdi Abdirahman, Track and Field
