The equestrian events at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics are set to take place at the historic Palace of Versailles, and two of China’s talented riders, Alex Hua Tian and Sun Huadong, have already arrived at the stables.
Alex Hua Tian, accompanied by his 15-year-old horse Chocs, reached the Versailles stables early Thursday morning. This marks Chocs' first Olympic appearance, and after a thorough health check by the Organizing Committee, both horse and rider have been certified in excellent condition. The London-born Hua Tian is preparing for his fourth Olympic Games, showcasing his enduring commitment and skill in the sport.
However, Hua Tian shared that his journey to Paris this time has been more challenging than in previous years. The United Kingdom's departure from the European Union has introduced additional paperwork, health requirements, and customs procedures, complicating his travel from the UK to France.
Sun Huadong, alongside his horse Lady, arrived from the Netherlands and is gearing up for his second Olympic appearance. Sun expressed his excitement, highlighting the strong bond with Lady, who is now 14 years old. "I competed with Lady since 2018, preparing for the Tokyo Summer Olympics. She was only 11 years during the Tokyo Games, and now she is 14 years-old, which is a really good age," he stated.
As the Paris 2024 Olympics draw closer, both Hua Tian and Sun Huadong are focused on delivering stellar performances, representing China on this prestigious global stage.
Reference(s):
Olympics: China's Alex Hua Tian, Sun Huadong arrive at Versailles
cgtn.com
