Interview: Chinese rider Alex Hua Tian looking forward to team event at Tokyo 2020

Source: Xinhua| 2019-06-07 15:30:13|Editor: Xiaoxia

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BEIJING, June 7 (Xinhua) -- China has made some Olympic history in France last month, securing its first ever eventing team ticket to next summer's Games in Tokyo.

China's 2020 Olympic eventing squad will be led by Alex Hua Tian, who also competed in the individual event at the 2008 and 2016 Olympics equestrian event.

In an interview with Xinhua, the London-born rider noted that competing in the team event will represent a big change from his previous Olympic experiences.

"I think it will be very different," Hua said. "I have done two Olympic Games as an individual, and two Asian Games as a team, but this will be my first Olympic Games as a team. To put it into context, the Olympic Games is at a five-star level and the Asian Games is at a two-star level. So there will be a lot more pressure on a much bigger world stage."

With his teammates Sun Huadong, Liang Ruiji and Bao Yingfeng having had no experience of competing at an Olympic Games, Hua acknowledged that although they showed promise, they would also have to adjust quickly to a higher level of performance.

"[Qualifying for Tokyo] was an enormous milestone and something that we can be really proud of, but we have to also be realistic. I have quite a lot of experience at this level now, but the other riders have to make a big step up quite quickly. So I think there are considerable challenges, but they are good riders. I'm very positive about the potential."

While China has a proud history at the Olympic Games, finishing among the top three delegations at the last five editions of the tournament, Hua noted that it may be too soon for the still-young eventing team to make its mark on the medal table.

"I don't think we have a realistic chance of a medal, but I don't want to be totally pessimistic, because 18 months ago [I didn't think it was possible] for the team to qualify for Tokyo, and of course, we've just done it, which is extraordinary."

Hua added, "For China, it's our first time [competing at the Olympics] as a team. I think for us to be there and to finish as a team will be triumphant itself."