Riding along a country road near London in 2015, I was instantly captivated by horses. Upon returning to Beijing, I began formal training at the Equuleus Equestrian Club in Shunyi. There have been moments of ecstasy and triumph, but also periods of setbacks and injuries. But I never thought about quitting and kept trying to get better in horseback riding. Trained by Coach Daniel Zhao and Coach Daitie Ha, I have perfected by skills and won multiple awards on China’s national level: an 8th place finish at the 2nd Youth Games of the People’s Republic of China in 2018; a move up to the rank of the National Level III Athlete; a group championship in 2019, when I represented China in the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup League Final 110 CM class.
I am a rising senior at the International School of Beijing in China, and academics and architectural designs are my top priorities. I maintain a 3.70/4.0 GPA and actively contribute to the community When not competing, I enjoy creating various artworks, traveling the world, and spending time with my friends.
The opportunity to compete at the college level would validate all the time and work I have invested in my teenage equestrian career. I am passionate about finding the appropriate college and competing for an NCAA Division I Equestrian Team. The sport of equestrian has helped me grow, taught me to be patient, and, most importantly, instilled a strong work ethic.
~ Shelly Li