Alex Hua Tian rides his horse "Don" during a press conference in Cheshire, Britain, on May 14, 2021. China's first Olympic rider Alex Hua Tian unveiled his new 'Hoof Print to Tokyo' slogan for the Olympic Games at the press conference at Pinfold Stables in Cheshire, Britain.Photo:Xinhua

As the clock to the Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 continues counting down, Alex Hua Tian, a Chinese naturalized equestrian rider from the UK, has continued to prepare for the competition, which he said he regards as the most important event he will be attending in the near future. 

There are so many ways to introduce the 32-year-old rider and his equestrian career. In 2008, the 18-year-old represented China for the first time at the equestrian triathlon at the Beijing Olympic Games. 

He is the first equestrian triathlon athlete in Chinese Olympic history as well as the youngest in the entire history of the modern Olympic Games.

"My parents, the school, and also my horses, have helped me to become who I am. I've learned a lot while spending time with my horse - respect, responsibility and empathy," Hua told Chinese outlet The Paper.

Born to a Chinese father and British mother, Hua went to Eton College, but suspended his studies for a while to prepare for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games after becoming a naturalized Chinese citizen.

Hua's passion for traditional Chinese culture can also be seen from the unique Chinese name he gives each of his horses. For instance, Wu Song comes from the legendary hero in Chineseclassic novel Water Margin, while his horse Monkey King is named after the famous character in the classic Journey to the West.

At the 2016 Rio Olympics, Hua finished eighth in the finals of the equestrian triathlon event, achieving the best results for a Chinese equestrian at the Olympic Games.

Hua has always been a keen figure dedicated to raising the profile of equestrian sports in China. 

An insider in this particular competitive sport, Hua said he has seen it grow rapidly in China, especially after the Beijing Olympic Games.

Not only the sport has gradually become a popular pastime choice for Chinese kids, there are also an increased number of professional Chinese riders, which to him, show the country's competitiveness in the sport on international stages such as the Olympic Games.  

"Especially at the professional competition level, China is developing quickly," Hua told media. 

Despite Hua's belief that China's equestrian prospects are improving, he is however encouraging newly emerged Chinese mainland riders to get more "European experiences."

"I found that China's top riders have begun to realize that if they want to participate in or even succeed in the Olympic Games, what they need is to stay in Europe for a long time to train and live," said Hua.  

The experienced rider also encouraged his fellow Chinese teammates to learn from top-tier riders at international events. 

"You must have more experience in global competition and compete with the best riders in the world," he added. 

As a forerunner, Hua said he sees helping young Chinese riders as part of his career responsibilities.

He has been helping Rao Jiayi, a determined female dressage rider, by providing her access to his stable in Britain so that she can train. 

"I have always supported her, not only because she has talent, but also because she loves riding," said Hua.

Global Times