Jumping into the unknown

Family affair

At 53, Li Zhenqiang is the team's oldest rider. The veteran will compete in the show jumping event with his son, Li Yaofeng.

When it comes to competing, Li Yaofeng insists he and his father will "become rivals" in Tokyo. That's an attitude his dad wholeheartedly approves of.

"I will be happier if you can manage to beat me, because that means Chinese equestrian sport has a stronger next generation of riders," Li Zhenqiang told his son.

Despite competing in different disciplines, Hua has huge respect for Li Zhenqiang and hopes the younger riders can learn from both of them.

"Mr. Li and I represented China at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, which was a wonderful experience. Mr. Li is not only a great horseman, he has had many amazing experiences throughout his life. He's also an FEI award winner, and a very inspirational person," Hua told China Daily.

"Obviously we both have been at past Games, but for our teammates, this will be their first time at the Olympics. Many of these athletes have been to the Asian Games and National Games in the past, so they have some idea of what a championship atmosphere feels like and what the logistics are like. But the Olympics are like no other."