Alex Hua Tian hit the headlines in the Chinese press and international sporting media when he qualified to be the first ever Chinese rider at the Beijing Olympics 2008. The fever was intensified by the fact that the young Etonian would be the youngest ever Olympics eventer at 18 years old and had achieved a world ranking of 21. The Chinese press christened him ‘One in a Billion’.
Following his Olympic Adventure and his thrilling performance to Chinese Music at the International Cup in the Millenium Stadium in November 2008, Alex disappeared from international competition as he hunkered down to finish his A levels at Eton College. On 23rd June 2009 Alex finished his last exam and is now in back in the saddle , preparing for a new campaign, with the World Equestrian Games, and the Asian Games 2012 firmly in his sights – as well as an Ambassador for the Red Cross in China.
Like many small boys Alex was put on a pony but, unlike most, his passion for riding kept him in the saddle. A chance connection through his English mother then enabled a 10 year-old Alex to visit Rosegarth and Lucinda and Clayton.
With his legs barely reaching beyond the saddle flaps Alex showed such a natural flair that he was able to ride the horses that would later go on to win a medal at World Championship level and be victorious at the prestigious Burghley Horse Trials.
Lucinda and Clayton felt they had a star in their stable and were delighted to offer a home to Alex’s horse, an ex-racehorse from Hong Kong, and introduce him to competitive eventing.
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