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The 30-year-old heiress to the iconic Greek family has never abandoned her dream to participate in the Olympics at least once, competing in her favourite sport - riding. Of course, with the colours of Greece.

Strange as it may seem, precisely for that reason shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis’ granddaughter obtained in 2005 Greek citizenship and acquired a Greek passport. She is also indexed in a Greek sports club, as required by the rules, namely the equestrian club in Avlonas, a town in northern Attica.

During the Olympic Games in Athens in 2004, the heiress was too young, she had not yet turned 20. In 2008 and 2012, she again failed to qualify despite her persistent efforts.

Qualifying for the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in 2016 will not be easy either. To the contrary, it seems more difficult than ever for Athina Onassis, since a few months ago she lost her beloved mare, 11-year-old Camille Ad-Z Zhang. In December, during an obstacle-race tournament in Geneva, the mare fell ill, throwing Athina Onassis onto the ground and was seriously hurt. Ultimately, with the consent of Athina, the mare was euthanized. This incident cost a lot to Athina, in psychological terms, as she had actually grown up with her favourite mare.

Today about 11 months are separating us from the Olympic Games in Rio, the birthplace of Athina Onassis’ husband, Olympic champion in riding Alvaro de Miranda Neto, whom she married in 2005.

The obstacle race will involve a total of 75 contestants, who will be selected by 6 March 2016.

Athina Onassis, who owns 14 horses, continues to strive for qualification in the Olympic Games by taking part in competitions, constantly hoping, although she is aware that the situation is still uncertain. Furthermore, it is important to try, not to achieve the ultimate goal.

Good relations with Greece

President of the Hellenic Equestrian Federation shipping magnate Nikos Paraschis reveals that Athina supports not common but good relations with her homeland Greece. The young woman who has a fortune of more than $1 billion has recently bought 10 acres of land in Florida against the sum of $12 million in cash to accommodate her horses there and train in winter.