This was announced by the world association UIPM on Tuesday (May 2nd, 2022). The modern pentathlon consists of the following disciplines:
- pistol shooting
- epee fencing
- To swim
- show jumping
- cross-country run
Show jumping should now be a thing of the past. The “New Fifth Discipline” working group, chaired by the German UIPM President Klaus Schormann, decided to test two variations of an obstacle course. There were around 60 suggestions to choose from.
Strong criticism from athlete representatives
Pentathlon United, a federation of pentathletes, criticized the selection process. “We have long suspected that the steeplechase was high on the agenda,” the organization wrote on Twitter. “The decision to only test the Steeplechase and none of the other options further underscores this.”
A survey would have given a clear picture among the 310 participants among the organized athletes, “what they think of the process being carried out”. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is urged to intervene.
UIPM: “New discipline should secure the future”
To justify the selection, the UIPM stated that the International Olympic Committee had provided guidelines for the search for a new discipline. The discipline should fit in with the modern pentathlon, but at the same time reduce costs and complexity, inspire young people and be sustainable. Testing is scheduled to begin immediately after the 2022 Pentathlon World Cup finals in Ankara in late June. The final decision is to be made later by the UIPM Congress.
The introduction of the new discipline should take place after the Olympic Games in Paris 2024. “This, together with the complete reassessment of the sport, is intended to ensure the future of a sport that has been a central part of the Olympic Games for over 100 years,” according to the association’s statement. So far, the sport has not been included in the program for the 2028 games in Los Angeles because the fifth discipline is still missing.
Discussion after Schleus prevented ride in Tokyo
At the 2021 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, German athlete Annika Schleu and trainer Kim Raisner were accused of inappropriate handling of a horse. In show jumping, the horse that Schleu had been assigned blocked. Schleu tried to bring the animal back into the course with spurs and whip. National coach Kim Raisner called on Schleu with shouts: “Hit it right!” Raiser also punched the horse with his fist.