Tokyo 2020: Thomas Ho keeps Olympic dream alive as Hong Kong team await updates on equestrian qualifiers
- Eventing rider Ho is concerned about his main horse Tayberry, which is older, while reserve Vinnie is only leased for one year
- Jockey Club official Amanda Bond says the IOC decision has provided clarity and taken the pressure off the Hong Kong riders
Hong Kong eventing rider Thomas Heffernan Ho said his Olympic dream was still alive despite the postponement of July’s Tokyo Games, with his main concern being for his horses.
Ho had already earned his place in Tokyo 2020, while Kenneth Cheng was to fight it out with Raena Leung, Patrick Lam, Jacqueline Lai and Clarissa Lyra for the one Hong Kong spot in the showjumping competition.
Hong Kong also had two slots in the Paralympic Games with Natasha Tse, Timothy Tsang and Fleur Schrader competing for places. However, with the Olympics postponed because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the qualifying status for all riders is up in the air.
“I understand the reasons behind the IOCs decision to postpone the Games this year, I am of course very disappointed,” said Ho. “My main concern is my horse, Tayberry, who is an older horse. We don’t know how he will come out next year and whether he will be able to compete.
“My reserve horse Vinnie is leased for the year, so that is an issue that will need to be addressed. He is not yet qualified due to the cancellation of competitions in the UK and Europe. Although my timeline for Tokyo 2020 has changed, my dream has not.”
Amanda Bond, executive manager of equestrian affairs at the Hong Kong Jockey Club, said they support the International Olympic Committee’s decision and are eagerly awaiting updates from world governing body FEI on new arrangements.
“This will take some time as there is much to work out, so at this stage we have to be patient,” said Bond. “We are super lucky in equestrian sport as qualification was already done before Covid-19 caused the cancellation of most competitions.
“We assume that any slots already earned will carry over; just the minimum eligibility requirements may have to be done again. Now we have a definite answer on postponement, it has taken the immediate pressure off our athletes as they were desperate to know how final eligibility would be handled when there were no competitions to go to.”
Ho said he remained upbeat and would continue to train and refine his skills.
“There are currently a lot of unknowns,” he said. “The best thing I can do is focus on the positive. I now have the opportunity of more time to train and work on areas that need refining.”
Purchase the China AI Report 2020 brought to you by SCMP Research and enjoy a 20% discount (original price US$400). This 60-page all new intelligence report gives you first-hand insights and analysis into the latest industry developments and intelligence about China AI. Get exclusive access to our webinars for continuous learning, and interact with China AI executives in live Q&A. Offer valid until 31 March 2020.
