Alex Hua Tian

Eighteen year old Etonian Alex Hua Tian became the youngest ever eventer at the Olympic Games this summer when he represented the host nation China in the three-day eventing. In Spring 2008 he qualified not just one but four horses for the Games. Alex is now ranked 21 in the world.
 
The teenager, who is back at school after a year out of education to concentrate on preparation for the Games, was the first Chinese eventer registered by the International Equestrian Federation and the first Chinese rider to compete in the three-day category of an international equestrian event.
 
Alex was born into a family with a long tradition of horse riding. His mother Sarah Noble, learned to ride when she was very young, while his maternal grandfather hunted and steeple chased. Alex started riding  when he was just four years old.
 
When Alex was five, his family moved from Beijing to Hong Kong and he started his riding training at the exclusive Hong Kong Jockey Club, where the 2008 Olympic equestrian events were staged.

Family connections led Alex to Australian Olympic silver medalists, Clayton and Lucinda Fredericks. He has trained with the Fredericks since he was just ten years old.