Modern Pentathlon - Obstacle racing set to replace equestrian after Paris 2024 Olympics despite athlete opposition

Obstacle racing is set to replace equestrian in the modern pentathlon event despite strong opposition from athletes. Under pressure to remove horses from the event, modern pentathlon will test obstacle racing as a replacement.

If approved, the new discipline, which will be alongside fencing, swimming, running and shooting, will be added to the sport after the 2024 Paris Olympics and in time for the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Ad/> UIPM, the modern pentathlon’s governing body, said that it received “over 60 proposals” and will test two types of obstacle racing starting after the World Cup finals in late June.

Tokyo 2020Horse riding to be dropped from modern pentathlon after punch controversy at Tokyo 2020 – reports02/11/2021 AT 13:58 This means changing the sport that has been a core part of Olympic history for over a century. The decision was taken by a focus group of 26 athletes, claims the UIPM.

“After many months of detailed talks we are on the brink of a landmark decision that would change the history of modern pentathlon forever,” said Yasser Hefny, chairman of the UIPM athletes committee. “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.” Exclusive: ‘It scares me' — Mark Cavendish on his rivalry fears with team-mate Fabio Jakobsen ‘He was in a cell of his own’ — Emotional Ronnie O’Sullivan on dad seeing win at World Championship Coco Gauff inspired by Iga Swiatek exploits with ‘extra motivation’ ahead of French Open The jumping portion was strongly encouraged by the IOC’s president, Thomas Bach, to be removed after an incident of horse abuse at the Tokyo Olympics last year