Paris Olympics: Hong Kong dressage rider Natasha Tse set for fourth Paralympic Games
- The 27-year-old, who first competed at London 2012 when she was 15 and the youngest para-equestrian there, will compete with her horse, Baxo
Dressage rider Natasha Tse Pui-ting has been selected for her fourth consecutive Paralympic Games.
The Hongkonger, who has cerebral palsy from premature birth, first competed at London 2012 when she was 15, and was the youngest para-equestrian to take part.
Now a Paralympic Games veteran, the 27-year-old achieved the minimum eligibility requirement score to qualify for Paris in the individual para dressage, where she will compete alongside her horse, Baxo.
“Participating in the Paralympics was always my dream as an equestrian athlete,” Tse said. “I am so happy to have another chance to compete alongside the top riders in the world.
“It will be a great learning opportunity for me. I have started preparing for the Games, and I hope that Baxo and I will put in a good performance and enjoy the Games.
“I am especially grateful for the nurture and support I received from the Hong Kong Jockey Club, the Equestrian Federation and the Riding for the Disabled Association.”
Michael Lee, Hong Kong Jockey Club chairman and president of the Equestrian Federation of Hong Kong, China, praised the 27-year-old’s “unwavering dedication and hard work”.
“My heartfelt congratulations to Natasha for qualifying to represent Hong Kong, China once again at the Paralympics in Paris,” he added. “It’s an incredible achievement and a testament to her unwavering dedication and hard work, as well as to the support she has received from her family, coaches and the Jockey Club.
“I wish her the very best of luck at the Games, and I will be following her progress with interest. I sincerely hope her efforts will help raise awareness of para equestrian sport among the public.”
Annie Ho, a double bronze medallist in team dressage at last year’s Asian Games, will be among Tse’s support team to care for her horse, while Fleur Schrader was selected as a reserve.
