German event opens way for Olympic hopefuls
Hong Kong's four Olympic showjumping hopefuls have been given an easier ride in an attempt to qualify for the equestrian events in August.
Samantha Lam, Kenneth Cheng Man-kit, Patrick Lam and Jennifer Lee will attempt their Olympic certificate of capability (COC) at a special qualifier in Hagen, Germany, next Wednesday. They will be joined by Chinese riders Li Zhenqiang and Huang Zuping at the stables of champion German trainer Paul Schockemoehle.
'I think they'll make it as easy as possible for these riders,' Cheng, 20, said. 'It won't be too easy, but it won't be extremely difficult.'
While out-of-competition qualifiers are not uncommon, the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) usually grants such qualifiers when a competition isn't available in the rider's region. But with the June 30 qualification deadline two months away and with all six riders based in Europe, there are multiple competitions in which they can attempt to qualify.
Neither the Chinese nor the Hong Kong jumpers have qualified yet.
The attempt in Germany, which received FEI approval, was originally organised to help ensure Chinese jumpers would be able to compete at the Olympics and the Hong Kong riders were then invited to also participate. Riders without a COC are not permitted to compete at the Games.