Sports
20:47, 01-Sep-2017
Zhu Meimei – the first foreign rider competing at China National Games
["china"]
Share
Copied
The National Games in China are marked with changes this year: there are no medal tables, and foreign athletes are being allowed to participate for the first time.
Zhu Meimei is one of the eight overseas competitors taking part in the games – and the American has made her time in Tianjin memorable, reaching the podium in the equestrian event.
The professional equestrian rider of Chinese heritage has spent most of her life in the US but still holds true to her roots by competing in the national games of China.
Four years ago, she represented Beijing at the 12th edition of the event and won. Today, she is representing herself as an overseas athlete, making the most out of the switch in the rules from event organizers.
Behind her great willpower is the support of her mother, who herself has a rich pedigree in horse sports. She inspired her daughter to follow her dreams, an advice that has been rewarding for both of them.
The young athlete has a busy schedule, but it's one she enjoys. Whether competing in China or training in Germany, life on the road is one that suits Zhu who does not define herself by her nationality.
A bronze medal to take back is a decent day's work. It's the action that keeps her coming back to the motherland – a place that in the future could come to mean a lot more than just sports.
109km