| Nicknames |
'One in a Billion' (bbc.co.uk, 24 Aug 2014) |
| Memorable sporting achievement |
Competing at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. (xinhuanet.com, 11 Nov 2020) |
| Most influential person in career |
Australian equestrian Lucinda Fredericks. (fei.org, 08 Mar 2021) |
| Hero / Idol |
New Zealand equestrian Mark Todd. (lesports.com, 04 Aug 2016) |
| Injuries |
He fractured his foot in February 2021 and was forced to take a break from riding. He was back in training the following month. (Weibo profile, 15 Mar 2021, 19 Feb 2021) |
| Sporting philosophy / motto |
"My inspiration comes from the eventers and any sports men and women who have got to the top through sheer hard work and stayed there. Those who have been superstars for 20 to 30 years: the drive, motivation and charisma that it takes to do that is my inspiration." (thegaitpost.com) |
| Awards and honours |
In 2018 he was presented with the Solidarity Award by the International Equestrian Federation [FEI] for the 'Horsemanship' charity he co-founded. (xinhuanet.com, 11 Nov 2020, 21 Nov 2018; usa.chinadaily.com.cn, 21 Nov 2018)
In 2017 he was named an Elite Athlete of International Class by the General Administration of Sport of China. (sports.qq.com, 30 Jun 2017)
In 2016 he was presented with the China News Week Award for Most Influential Sports Person of the Year. (everythinghorseuk.co.uk, 29 Dec 2016)
In 2009 he was given the Rising Star award by the FEI. (qq.com, 24 Mar 2012) |
| Famous relatives |
His grandfather Hua Longyi was a fighter pilot during the 1950s, and was nicknamed Lone Hero by the authorities in the People's Republic of China. His brother Hua Ming has played cricket for Eton College and the Marylebone Cricket Club [MCC] in London, England. His partner Sarah Higgins has competed in dressage at international level. (sohu.com, 22 Oct 2017; fei.org, 18 Jul 2021) |
| Ambitions |
His primary mission is to help develop the sport in China and continue his presence as a pioneer rather than building up any great expectation of finishing in the medals. "With equestrian sports, we are trying to educate people that there is far more depth to the sport than just performance and success. I don't want the public in China expecting me to go out there and win a [Olympic] gold medal and be disappointed when I don't. Because I'm not going to." (Reuters, 10 May 2016) |
| Other information |
STABLES
He and his partner Sarah Higgins run Pinfold Stables near Knutsford, England. (Facebook page, 04 Feb 2023; new.qq.com, 09 Sep 2022; equitrader-online.co.uk, 02 Nov 2021)
FAMILY BACKGROUND
His father is Chinese and was involved in the aviation industry, while his British mother was born into a Scottish military family. His parents moved to the United Kingdom from Hong Kong, China when Alex was age 10, and he attended Eton College near London. He took a year out of his school studies in order to compete at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. "I've always been very comfortable with a foot in both China and the UK and been quite secure in my identity, even though if you asked me what that was I still wouldn't be able to give you a direct answer." (thehorseridersjournal.com, 08 Aug 2016; reuters.com, 10 May 2016; olympic.cn, 24 Sep 2014)
OLYMPIC DEBUT
He became the first athlete to represent the People's Republic of China in eventing at the Olympic Games in 2008, but did not complete the competition as he was thrown from his horse during the cross-country phase. "It was a fairy tale really, and the fairy tale ended when I fell off in Hong Kong at the cross-country. It was a real heartbreaking moment personally for me. But without that experience and investment I wouldn't be here now, doing it professionally. Although at the time it was a really devastating blow, it's something that I have to thank a lot for because it gave me a taste but it didn't give me everything. Looking back on it now [speaking in 2020] I think I've got more out of falling off at the Olympics than I would have done if I'd finished 50th or whatever. I very much felt after that I still had something to prove, which is why I'm still here." (horseandhound.co.uk, 08 Oct 2020; reuters.com, 10 May 2016)
OTHER ACTIVITIES
He has worked as an ambassador for the Red Cross, and also co-founded the charity called 'Horsemanship' in the People's Republic of China. "The charity is all about changing perceptions and connecting communities with equestrianism. We run programmes with as many grassroots riding schools as possible. And we connect these riding schools with children from wealthy families but also children from local communities who cannot afford lessons." (xinhuanet.com, 11 Nov 2020; telegraph.co.uk, 19 Feb 2018; qq.com, 24 Mar 2012; alexhuatian.co.uk, 2010)
HORSE WELFARE
He has worked with FEI partner Boehringer Ingelheim on a project to improve horse welfare standards in China. (boehringer-ingelheim.com, 2024) |
| General highlights |
He won individual and team gold at the Asian Games in 2023.
He was selected by China for the Olympic Games in 2008, 2016, 2020 and 2024. |
| Milestones |
At the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, he became the first rider representing the People's Republic of China to compete in an Olympic equestrian event. (SportsDeskOnline, 29 Jul 2018; 163.com, 12 Nov 2010)
He also became the youngest eventing athlete to appear at the Olympic Games
He was the first athlete representing the People's Republic of China to have won an individual medal in an equestrian sport at the Asian Games, claiming silver in eventing at the 2014 Games in Incheon, Republic of Korea. (SportsDeskOnline, 29 Jul 2018; sohu.com, 24 Oct 2014) |
FEI Database
Alexhuatian.co.uk 
Alex Hua Tian 
Alex Hua Tian 
Alex Hua Tian 
Alex Hua Tian Eventing 
