China Daily Global Edition (USA)
Never alone on road to glory Pioneering Alex Hua Tian appreciates nation’s unbridled support, writes Shi Futian
Even though he’s been hailed as China’s lone ranger of equestrianism, Alex Hua Tian, the nation’s first Olympian in the sport, has never felt alone.
Last week in Beijing, Hua announced his preparations for the 2018 Asian Games, unveiling his new slogan — “I’m not alone” — at a media conference at the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
“I have been China’s sole representative at the Olympics in my sport for ten years,” he said in an exclusive interview with China Daily.
“But I have been anything but lonely, thanks to tremendous support from the General Administration of Sport of China, the Chinese Equestrian Association (CEA), my family, horse owners and, of course, everyone who’s followed my story since I was 18 years old at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
“Without them, I would not have had the opportunities and drive to achieve my ambitions. I am so looking forward to joining our national team once again for this year’s Asian Games in Indonesia.”
Hua represented China at the Beijing and Rio Olympic Games in three-day eventing.
“We have been paying close attention and supporting Alex Hua Tian since the 2008 Summer Games,” said Zheng Guowei, deputy secretary-general of the CEA. “We are very delighted that he will compete in the 2018 Asian Games representing China, and we will support him as always.”
With all the support he has received and with five alternative mounts being prepared for future challenges, Hua, who won silver at the 2014 Asian Games, remains cautiously optimistic.
“Most of the five horses are new to my team, so these are very new partnerships,” he said.
“It’s really difficult for me to evaluate exactly where I am in this process at this moment — and the process between now and the Asian Games is really interesting because I will develop a relationship with them.
“It won’t be a linear process. There will be ups and there will be downs. Over any period of time, things can go right or, more often, things can go wrong.
“So, until the week before the Asian Games when I pick the horse I want to take to Indonesia and I start to get the feel of how that preparation is coming together, I won’t really have much of an idea. But this is the strongest team of horses I’ve ever had.”
A sport for everyone
Hua’s international profile has helped dramatically accelerate equestrian development in China.
According to the annual report on Chinese Equestrian Market Development released by Horsemanship magazine, there were 37 registered equestrian competitions in China in 2017, including show jumping, dressage and eventing.
There were about 906 equestrian clubs around China in 2016. A year and a half later, that number had jumped to 1,452 and membership in China’s equestrian clubs now tops one million.
Still, the stereotype that equestrian is a sport only for the rich remains an obstacle.
Although Hua was born in London and attended prestigious Eton College, he is the antithesis of the stereotypical equestrian athlete.
“The problem that equestrianism has is that the public sees the top level of the sport as the whole pyramid, and this is what I want to reposition in China,” he said.
“Of course the top level of equestrian sport is expensive, but at the bottom level, more and more families in China are able to be involved. It is accessible and it is growing.”
To battle the stereotype, Hua has struck a strategic partnership with Sina Sports that will see a series of unique documentaries, behind-thescenes videos, photos, infographics and quizzes about him and his horses posted on Weibo.
“Millions of Chinese netizens are behind Alex when he competes in the Asian Games,” said Arthur Wei, vice-president of Sina and general manager of Sina Sports.
“As the ambassador of Sina’s Future Star Equestrian Competition, his story will inspire young riders to actively participate in the sport and earn pride for the country.”
Hua offered his own perspective, saying: “China’s budding young riders don’t have to be me. I have been extremely lucky, and it all came together to give me a wonderful opportunity. That’s very rare, and to benchmark my journey with anybody else would be very unfair.
“What you have to be is somebody who loves being around horses, loves the partnership between yourself and the horse.
“The most important thing is what my mom taught me when I was young: When you finish riding, it’s your responsibility to make sure your horse is comfortable before you are.
“As long as you do that, your horse will appreciate it and always have your back.”