The Thailand team for the 17th Asian Games includes a real-life princess with a down-to-earth approach to life and a heart set on winning gold. Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana, the granddaughter of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, has been chosen to represent her country in equestrian, riding a horse called Prince Charming.
The 27-year-old has already competed at the Asian Games before, but in a different sport. She was a member of the Thai badminton team at the 2006 Games in Doha, where she spurned any special treatment by opting to stay in the athletes' village. Although she has ridden horses since childhood, Princess Sirivannavari only started showjumping seriously a few years ago, while she was studying fine arts and working as a fashion designer in Paris.