14-year-old HK show jumper Vincent Capol qualifies for 2018 Youth Olympic Games
The talented German Swiss International School student has the chance to compete for HK in Buenos Aires as a show jumper in equestrian events
Vincent's rides a horse named Angel and trains at Beas River Equestrian Centre.A local student has the chance to take part in this year’s upcoming Youth Olympic Games to be held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, after winning his qualifying equestrian event last weekend.
German Swiss International School student Vincent Capol, a show jumper, said he was both happy and relieved about his win in the FEI World Jumping Challenge 2018 (Hong Kong), 1st Competition at the Beas River Equestrian Centre, near Shueng Shui.
“I think I put a lot of pressure on myself to qualify,” 14-year-old Vincent told Young Post. “[This] is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I didn’t want to let it slip away.”
Vincent has been riding since he was seven. He said his victory, achieved on a horse called Angel, can be credited to his dedication to improving his riding skills.
“During week days, I train at Beas River Equestrian Centre. I go there from school, which is on The Peak,” explained Vincent. “The journey can take an hour and a half, so I have to study and do my homework [quickly] when I get home. I have little time for other activities.”
Vincent’s story is all the more incredible because he managed to achieve this feat despite losing his father, whom he called “his biggest role model”, last year.
“I will never forget him, or all of the things he [did] to help me,” Vincent said. “Without him, there is no
way I would be where I am now. He was an intelligent, hard-working, and supportive father who fought to the very end.”
Vincent said he would try to showcase these qualities no matter where he ends up in the future.
Edited by Ginny Wong