Showjumping star (12) headed for China
Showjumping star Hannah van Niekerk has qualified as one of the top 16 competitors from around the world who will take part in the 2017 International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) Children’s International Classics final.
The final is scheduled to take place between December 28 and January 1 in Beijing, China.
A total of 20 athletes qualified to compete in the final, of whom four are from host country China and 16 are from the rest of the world.
Those selected include the top 10 athletes on the Gold Tour final standings list as of October 9, plus the best Gold Tour athlete from each FEI group not already represented in the top 10.
The 12-year-old Laerskool Baanbreker learner will also be receiving her South African colours for her achievement.
“It is such an honour to compete in this competition and represent South Africa,” van Niekerk said.
“A success in China will be just to have fun and do my absolute best.”
Quizzed on what she is looking forward to most on her trip to Asia, she replied: “Meeting the other riders across the world and to see what horses I get in the draw; and to make South Africa proud of me.”
Van Niekerk has been horse riding since 2013 and rides for Sunny Park Stables in Benoni. – @SabeloBoksburg
