Turkish young rider Lina Uzunhasan has declared for the U.S.A. and will be competing under the American flag as of 2017.
Lina has dual citizenship and holds an American passport as her mom gave birth to her in Houston, Texas, where her father had studied at the university as a young man. Lina has lived her entire life in Istanbul before moving to The Netherlands in 2015.
The 17-year old Lina Uzunhasan began her international dressage career in 2011 and competed the Dutch warmblood gelding Sjonnie (by Solied x Ulster) in the 2012 Balkan Games in Athens, where she placed third in the Children's competition.
Moving to the junior riders division, Uzunhasan began working with Dutch trainer Nicolette van Leeuwen, who scouted the KWPN mare Donna Ray (by United x Negro) for her. In 2014 Lina and Donna Ray competed at numerous internationals, such as Nieuw en St. Joosland, Roosendaal, Compiegne, Hagen which culminated to the 2014 European Junior Riders Championships in Arezzo (ITA) where she finished 49th.
In 2015 Uzunhasan moved to The Netherlands to focus more on her riding and she again represented Turkey at the European Junior Riders Championships in Vidauban and placed 31st. In 2016, Lina switched trainers and relocated to Anky van Grunsven's yard. At the 2016 European Junior Riders Championships in Oliva Nova, she placed fifth individually. In December 2016 she moved to young riders level with Donna Ray.
For 2017 Uzunhasan had switched nationality and will be riding for the U.S.A. based on her double nationality.
"Although I have lived in Turkey for most of my life, I have always felt more American than Turkish," said the 17-year old. "It gives a sense of pride to ride for the US. I might not be taking the easiest path with this choice. As a Turkish rider it would be easier to fulfill my dream: competing at the Olympic Games. However, I don't want to be at the Games just to participate. The nationality change gives me the chance to compete against top-class competitors and I thankfully seize this opportunity."
American youth coach team trainer George Williams commented that, "we are thrilled about Lina’s decision regarding her nationality and look forward to her riding for the US. I am sure she will continue to build on her recent successes and am excited to see what the future brings."
Photos © Astrid Appels - Arnd Bronkhorst
Related Links
Eurodressage Photo Database: Lina Uzunhasan
Hannah Erbe Claims Kur Gold at 2016 European Junior Riders Championships
Ulysses La Haya, Price Highlight of the 2015 Excellent Dressage Sales
Junior Rider Lina Uzunhasan Blazes Trail for Turkey at 2014 CDI Roosendaal Indoor
Greek Riders Claim Lion's Share of Medals at 2012 Balkan Dressage Championships
Double Gold for Greece and Turkey, but Romanio's Alexandrescu Secures Senior Title