DressageDaily: Lily C. Zilo to Represent Hong Kong at the 2006 Asian Games: Zealous Zilo Aims for Team Medal

Thursday October 19, 2006

Lily C. Zilo to Represent Hong Kong at the 2006 Asian Games

Zealous Zilo Aims for Team Medal

Lily Zilo Zilo is not essentially driven to become a champion and only started riding when she was 37. Her main focus has always been becoming a skilled dressage rider. "I just want to learn how to ride, but you need your credentials and medals to get selected on a team," the level-headed Zilo said. Aboard Windsor's Mira, Zilo earned her USDF bronze and silver medal in three months time.

Even though Zilo is an adult amateur competing at Prix St Georges level, she does show the motivation and drive of a professional and will aim for the highest at the Asian Games.

"We have a good chance at winning a team medal. We all have been competing aggressively. Jackie Siu is allowed to compete at young riders level in the British system," Zilo said. She hopes that the team will produce an average score of 65% but they are aspiring 68%, which would be good for a team medal.

Fourteen dressage teams will be competing at the 15th Asian Games in Doha. Fifty riders have been selected with team representation from Hong Kong, China, Korea, Japan, Malaysia, etc.

The Asian Games are highly important for the globalization of dressage and the equestrian sport in general. "It will broaden the recognition of the sport," Zilo stated. "A whole new gateway will be opening, especially because the Olympics are held in Hong Kong in two years."

By Astrid Appels/Eurodressage