Today (March 30) at 20:20, Tokyo Olympic equestrian triathlon rider Sun Huadong will board a plane to the Netherlands. On this trip to Europe, he will prepare for the MER line of the Asian Games triathlon. On March 12, that is, half a month ago, taking the opportunity to report on the asian games grand dressage and dance step project selection competition, the reporter met Sun Huadong at the training base of the Jiangsu Provincial Equestrian Team. On the outdoor training ground at the training base, we interviewed him. He was very welcome to our arrival and was eager to answer questions about his preparations for the Asian Games equestrian triathlon.
Equestrian Online: After experiencing the Olympic Games, what kind of experience will you learn from playing in the Asian Games?
“
Sun Huadong: After experiencing the Olympic Games, I was relatively more relaxed psychologically. The preparation cycle of the Olympic Games is very long, and there have been many difficulties in the whole preparation, which are either related to horses or related to the epidemic. After the Olympic Games, we are not so nervous about preparing for the Asian Games, but we will attach great importance to this Asian Games, because this Asian Games we are competing in the goal of winning gold.
In the process of participating in the Olympic Games, there are many links that give people a very shocking feeling. Shock is also a kind of pressure. And stress can also be turned into a motivation, which is very exciting. At the same time, in the Olympic arena, we also saw some big riders, how they did in the big races, and they could learn a lot. Then there's the experience of team strategy, when we get together every night to discuss the strategy of the game. First of all, we emphasize that athletes should focus on the event, then pay attention to the state of people and horses, and then the order and strategy of the players. Our strategy for the Tokyo Olympics is to "focus on stability" and strive for team results. Each competition is different, and the strategy of the Asian Games is set and executed according to our goals for all three events.
”
Equestrian Online: I heard that you will be picking a new horse for this Asian Games, how will you get into it?
Sun Huadong: Although we have horses prepared for the Olympic Games, they are big-class horses, and if they play the Asian Games, they are not very suitable for comparison, so we must look for new horses. We set off for the Netherlands on March 30th, and the Dutch coaches have prepared a new horse, waiting for everyone to test the horse, and all the riders have to do is seize the time to do a good pre-race run-in.
The MER required by the Asian Games is CCI2*-L, two-star, which is not so difficult in comparison. Our plan is to participate in as many races as possible, first of all to ensure that MER, if MER passes smoothly, you can choose some technical, two-star competitions to adapt to it, or some other short-distance competitions to ensure the stability of the cooperation between people and horses. Of course, if the first CCI2*-L doesn't pass, then you have to keep playing MER. Normally speaking, the pressure is not large, but some uncontrollable factors cannot be completely ruled out.
Equestrian Online: How did you and your team select the horses for the Asian Games?
Sun Huadong: The rider's energy is mainly focused on horseback riding and training, so for the horse, our coach has selected some suitable ones, and as soon as we go abroad, we will immediately arrange to test the horse. Picking a horse must be tried for yourself, and just watching the video is not enough, because the character of the horse and the style of the rider must be able to match. With the right fit, the run-in period can be shortened.
I personally choose horses, and like horses that are not too lazy, because my personality is relatively slow and hot, so I hope to have a relatively active horse. Another thing is that as a horse playing triathlons, its own motivation must be sufficient. The next step is to look at personality, to look at ability, to see the pace of the horse, to see the structure of the horse's body. The pace of the horse is the basis that determines its success as a three-sport horse. If the horse's pace is not good, even if the horse is more capable, it will not be able to produce particularly good results. Because dressage is the basic sport of the three competitions, and it is the first one, if the first one is not good, the last two can not get good results no matter how high the score is.
Equestrian Online: How did you feel about preparing and training in Europe?
Sun Huadong: In fact, in preparation for the Olympic Games, we have been training abroad since 2018. 12 months a year, we were almost 10 months abroad. In 2018, 2019, 2020 and the first half of 2021, a total of more than three years were spent training at the training base of the Jiangsu Provincial Equestrian Team abroad. The training life abroad is relatively closed, but we have been through it for more than three years, so we are very familiar with it. The preparation for the Asian Games was also carried out at our training base abroad, so there was no discomfort, and basically after a few days, we began to play.
Training abroad I feel like I'll be more focused and nothing extra will distract myself. Every day is all about the state of the horse, the health of the horse and the quality of the training, as well as the race. There are more competitions in Europe, and after one game, adjust for a few days to prepare for the next one.
In the past few years in Europe, my riding skills have improved a lot. In 2014, when I first went abroad to train, I was a young rider, not a main player, and I did not have a deep understanding of equestrian sports. After training in Europe, because European equestrianism developed earlier and more developed, in that environment, my understanding of equestrianism was more professional and deeper.
I've found that Europeans really integrate equestrianism into their lives. Whenever there is an equestrian competition, there will be a family abroad, whether it is a child or a parent, everyone enjoys the game very much. In fact, relatively speaking, their conditions are not much better, they all drive to the race, return to the same day, prepare some bread and water in the car, the day is also very hard, but everyone is happy. Of course, in addition to the understanding of equestrianism, there has been an improvement in technology, from 2014 to 2021, 7 years, I grew from a young rider to an Olympic rider, I think my growth rate is not slow.
Equestrian Online: The Asian Games are held in Hangzhou, China, will there be pressure to fight at home?
Sun Huadong: There is definitely pressure, but it is more of a motivation. Because our goal is to compete for the gold medal, the motivation will be stronger. This time we have the home field advantage, and it is even more important to seize the opportunity. You will have a greater sense of belonging in your own home field, and you will be more free to do things, so you must seize the opportunity.
Equestrian Online: The most important impact on you after so many years of professional training in equestrianism?
Sun Huadong: Equestrian sports make me feel more positive energy. After contact with the horse, I think I will be more responsible and compassionate.
Today (March 30), the Asian Games equestrian triathlon preparation team will board the plane at 20:20 to prepare for the Asian Games triathlon MER line in the Netherlands. According to the International Horse Federation (FEI) requirements for participation in the asian games in three races, the combination must complete the Certificate of Ability to participate in the Asian Games (MER).
On this trip to the Netherlands, the Asian Games equestrian triathlon preparation team plans to first select the Asian Games preparation horses, seize the time to adjust and run in with the horses, and complete two CCI2*-L races by September.
Text/Door Jingyu
Photo/Courtesy of the interviewer