Horse Show Jumping to be Removed from Olympic Modern Pentathlon – Reuters

The Olympic Modern Pentathlon is a unique and challenging event that combines five different disciplines: fencing, swimming, equestrian show jumping, and a combined event of pistol shooting and cross-country running. Each discipline tests the athletes‘ physical and mental abilities, making it one of the most demanding events in the Olympic Games.

One of the most iconic and exciting aspects of the Modern Pentathlon is the equestrian show jumping competition. This discipline requires athletes to navigate a series of obstacles on horseback, testing their riding skills and ability to communicate effectively with an unfamiliar horse. The show jumping phase is often a make-or-break moment for many athletes, as a single mistake can cost them valuable points and potentially a spot on the podium.

However, the equestrian show jumping competition in the Modern Pentathlon is set to undergo a significant change after the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The International Modern Pentathlon Union (UIPM) has announced that the horse show jumping phase will be replaced with a new discipline called „handicap start“ in future competitions. This decision comes after concerns were raised about the welfare of the horses used in the show jumping phase, as well as the unpredictability of the horse draw process.

The handicap start discipline will involve athletes starting the combined event (pistol shooting and cross-country running) with a time handicap based on their performance in the previous four disciplines. This new format aims to level the playing field and make the competition more fair and transparent for all athletes. While the equestrian show jumping phase has been a staple of the Modern Pentathlon for decades, the introduction of the handicap start discipline represents a significant shift in the sport’s history.

The decision to remove the horse show jumping phase from the Olympic Modern Pentathlon has sparked mixed reactions among athletes, coaches, and fans. Some argue that the show jumping phase is an integral part of the event and should be preserved, while others welcome the change as a positive step towards modernizing the sport and ensuring the welfare of the horses involved.

Regardless of the controversy surrounding the decision, the equestrian show jumping competition at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics will be the last of its kind in the Olympic Modern Pentathlon. As athletes prepare to compete in this iconic event one last time, they will undoubtedly give it their all in pursuit of Olympic glory. The show jumping phase may be coming to an end, but the spirit of competition and the thrill of the Modern Pentathlon will continue to captivate audiences around the world for years to come.