Riding is to be replaced by obstacle training in the modern pentathlon, the sport’s governing body has announced.
The Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne (UIPM) said it was undertaking an “unprecedented review of every aspect” of the sport and that one of the outcomes of this effort was the removal of the equestrian element.
It said the riding was “no longer viable” and two variations of the obstacle discipline had been selected for testing as an alternative.
Yasser Hefny, chairman of the UIPM athletes committee, led a focus group composed of 26 athletes from 22 countries.
“After many months of detailed talks we are on the brink of a landmark decision that would change the history of modern pentathlon, the sport we all love, forever,” he said.
“When the mandate to explore the possibility to replace riding from our sport was first announced, my fellow athletes worldwide had a lot of questions and concerns. I believe the New 5th Discipline Working Group has been very thorough in evaluating the options put forward by our community, using internal and external expertise to good effect.
“While we still have specifics to finalise, we have a new and exceptional opportunity to grow and give visibility to our sport for the benefit of many generations to come, and that’s very exciting.”
The decision follows widespread concern for the welfare of the horses involved in this year’s Games, but some argued it should be reinstated.
The UIPM team said they considered athletes’ views as well as medical aspects, including workload, injuries and anti-doping. Television, media and marketing opportunities also impacted the decision.
Testing of the obstacle variations will begin after the UIPM 2022 Pentathlon World Cup Final in in late June and the final decision will be taken by the UIPM Congress.
If approved, the new discipline will be added after the Paris 2024 Olympics.
