Chinese equestrian triathlete Hua Tian lost team qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics due to positive controlled drugs in horses. This is the first such problem since the Chinese Equestrian Association joined the International Equine Federation, and it is also the first time Huatian has encountered an anti-doping red line in his 18-year career.
The incident occurred in June this year, when Huatian participated in the Group F/G team qualification tournament for the triathlon at the Paris Olympics in Mill Street, Ireland. The horse he was riding on Chicko was found to contain the controlled drug allycgesterone, a hormonal drug used to regulate the estrous cycle of mares, during the race. Although it does not fall under the doping contraband, it still violates the FIE regulations.
Hua Tian expressed great shock and self-remorse, claiming that he had never tested positive for doping and had always adhered to pure sports and anti-doping measures. He believes that the incident is due to cross-infection caused by stable pollution, and he has submitted relevant reports to the Chinese Equestrian Association and obeyed the ruling of the International Equine Federation. At the same time, he apologized to the country, teammates and supporters, and said that he would learn lessons, strengthen learning, improve management level, and continue to win glory for the country.
The Chinese Equestrian Association also issued a statement on the matter, expressing concern and education to Huatian and regretting the losses it caused. The Association stressed the importance and complexity of anti-doping work and said it would continue to implement the FEMA Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Substances Regulations, and increase research and learning to ensure good anti-doping prevention and management. The Association once again reaffirms its determination to preserve the cleanliness and purity of equestrian sport and will never tolerate and tolerate any violations.
Hua Tian is one of China's finest equestrian triathletes, setting the record for the first equestrian triathlete to make an official appearance at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. On October 2 this year, he also won the individual and team championships of the equestrian triathlon at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou.
This is shocking and regrettable news, Hua Tian is the leader of the Chinese equestrian triathlon, he has achieved many honors in the international arena, and has established a good image for Chinese equestrianism. He has always won wide respect and recognition for his professionalism and rigor. The incident undoubtedly had a huge impact on his reputation and career, and also deprived Chinese equestrianism of an important Olympic hope.
I don't think Hua Tian intentionally used controlled drugs, and he didn't have the need or motivation to do so. He is a responsible and conscientious athlete, he cares about the health and welfare of horses, he respects the rules and spirit of sports, and he will not do things contrary to his beliefs and principles. I believe that this incident was an accident and was caused by poor management of the stable or other external factors. I hope that the FEI can conduct a fair and transparent investigation into this and give Huatian a reasonable explanation and handling.
I also feel sorry for Hua Tian, who has put in a lot of effort and effort in order to be able to win glory for the country at the Paris Olympics. He has just won a double title at the Asian Games, showing his strength and potential. He would have had great hopes of making history at the Olympics and winning the first Olympic medal for Chinese equestrian. But now, he has lost that opportunity, and also the Chinese equestrian team has lost a valuable team qualification. This is a heavy blow to him and Chinese equestrianism, and it is also a regrettable loss.
I hope that Huatian can face this setback strongly, and not give up his dreams and beliefs. I believe he still has many opportunities to prove himself and can make a greater contribution to Chinese equestrianism. I also hope that the Chinese Equestrian Association can give more support and help to Huatian to strengthen the management and education of anti-doping and controlled drugs in horses to prevent similar incidents from happening again. I also hope that the majority of equestrian enthusiasts can understand and encourage Hua Tian and not make groundless accusations and attacks against him. We should cheer for Chinese equestrianism and cheer for Huatian together!