At 34 years old, Chinese equestrian star Alex Hua Tian just rode into his fourth Olympic Games in Paris, bringing with him hopes to inspire a new generation of riders. From his debut at the Beijing Olympics in 2008 as an 18-year-old prodigy to now, Hua Tian's journey has been nothing short of legendary. â¨
In Paris, Hua Tian started strong, ranking third in the dressage phase. But a 15-point penalty in the cross-country phase pushed him down to finish in 23rd place. Despite the setback, Hua Tian remained optimistic and full of praise for his horse, Chocs.
\"I cannot say anything other than that Chocs was absolutely brilliant this week,\" Hua Tian told CGTN Sports Scene's Greg Laffradi. \"He's a phenomenally talented horse. I have a lot of faith in him, and we've had a seven-year partnership. We've saved him for those seven years for these games, and he was just brilliant.\"
Reflecting on his Olympic experiences, Hua Tian shared, \"I think these games have given me and hopefully my team a tremendous amount of confidence. We've produced a world-class horse, and he's come in great condition despite all of the challenges we've had with his fitness in the past.\"
Equestrian may not be as mainstream as football or basketball, but it's gaining popularity in China. Hua Tian hopes that the stories from the Paris Games can light a spark in the hearts of children everywhere. \"I hope the images from Versailles and Paris have a very positive, long-lasting legacy,\" he said. \"I hope children and families around the world who are not involved with the sport are inspired not just by the winners but by the stories and the horses and the background of each of the riders.\"
From teenage sensation to seasoned Olympian, Hua Tian's journey is a testament to passion and perseverance. Who knows, maybe his story will inspire the next generation of equestrian stars! đâ¨
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Chinese equestrian Alex Hua Tian hopes Paris Games inspires children
cgtn.com
