An obstacle discipline is to replace show jumping in the modern pentathlon as the fifth competition in the future. As the world association UIPM announced, two different options have been selected for this.
Details were not given. According to the association, a test phase should begin at the end of June after the World Cup in Ankara, Turkey. The new discipline was selected by a commission from more than 60 suggestions.
With the cancellation of riding, the world association reacted to the incidents at the Olympic Games in Tokyo last year and at the same time is fighting for its Olympic future. In Japan, the German Annika Schleu caused a stir and sharp criticism.
The then leader in the intermediate classification had not been able to cope with a horse that had been drawn to her and was completely insecure, and had desperately used whip and spurs. National coach Kim Raisner hit the horse with his fist and was penalized by the world association with a reprimand.
At the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, the modern pentathlon will take place for the last time with riding. For the following games in Los Angeles 2028, the sport is not part of the program for the time being. With the change of discipline, the UIPM is also reacting to the requirements of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
According to this, the fifth competition, in addition to fencing, swimming and the laser run of pistol shooting and running, must be accessible worldwide, popular among all age groups, dynamic and attractive to spectators worldwide, inexpensive and easy to understand.
Among athletes, the abolition of horseback riding through a substitute discipline is controversial.