Love Island contestant Gemma Owen is best known for being the daughter of football legend Michael Owen.
Many won't be aware that the 19-year-old is actually a star in her own right and, following in her father's footsteps, has an impressive sporting career of her own. Before appearing on Love Island, Gemma was on Team GB as a dressage rider.
Gemma opened up about her family's love of sport before entering the villa, as she said: "Sport has always been a big thing for me and my family. My dad was a professional football player."
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She added: "I’ve competed for Great Britain in dressage since I was 11-years-old. I’ve travelled all across Europe competing in big arenas in big competitions. I would say I’m very competitive. [When it comes to relationships] I will always go for what I want."
Gemma, who is from Chester, is a professional dressage rider and has been riding horses since she was three years old. At present she competes for Great Britain. In 2021 she represented GB at the 2021 European Junior Championships in Oliva in Spain. Gemma revealed the news on her Instagram page, dedicated to dressage.
She said: "Absolutely over the moon to announce that I have been selected to represent Great Britain at the European Championships 2021 in Oliva, Spain! It still hasn't quite sunk in; to reach my goal of competing in a Europeans after years of hard work is just the best feeling." She went on to thank her dad and her mum, Louise Bonsall, as well as her trainer, Sarah Higgins. Gemma and her team finished in sixth place at the championships.
Gemma rides her own horse, a 17-year-old Stedinger gelding named Sirius Black, who she always calls 'Siz'. Her final competition before entering the Love Island villa was Myerscough Premier League, which took place back in March. She finished third in both the team and individual young rider tests, after stepping up to the level earlier this year.
Love Island airs at 9pm on ITV2 and ITV Hub
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