Obstacle racing to be tested for possible replacing of equestrian in modern pentathlon

Modern pentathlon's governing body (UIPM) said it has selected two variations of obstacle racing for testing from more than 60 options as it looks to replace the equestrian element in the sport from the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The UIPM had said in November it would determine a suitable replacement for equestrianism through a consultation process.

That decision came after German coach Kim Raisner struck a horse at last year's Tokyo Games when it refused to jump a fence, which led to widespread criticism of the sport.

"The UIPM executive board decided to test the combination of the obstacle discipline alongside fencing, swimming and the laser run," the governing body said in a statement.

"Testing will begin immediately after the 2022 Pentathlon World Cup Final in Ankara in late June. Following comprehensive testing, the final decision will be taken by the UIPM Congress."

Obstacle is a sport consisting of disciplines where athletes run and/or overcome obstacles in timed competitions.

Disciplines include ninja competitions, obstacle course racing and adventure racing with multiple event formats and distances ranging from 50 metres to hundreds of kilometres.

The sport's governing body World Obstacle says Ninja TV Show competitions have around one billion viewers worldwide.

Adventure racing has been televised globally since 1989 and it is estimated that more than 300 million people have watched the Eco-Challenge expedition race since 1995.

UIPM plans to provide more details about formats it will test and the rules in the coming weeks.

Modern pentathlon has been an Olympic sport since 1912 and features five events: fencing, swimming, equestrian show jumping, pistol shooting and cross-country running.

Pentathlon United has