The final day of the modern pentathlon event in Versailles marked the end of an era as horses were bid farewell from the competition. The difficulties associated with randomly pairing horses with humans were on full display, with Team GB’s Kerenza Bryson witnessing France’s Marie Oteiza being thrown from her horse during the showjumping round. While no lasting damage was done, Bryson took note of the challenges that come with forming a bond with an unfamiliar horse in a short amount of time.
Bryson, who comes from a strong riding background, expressed her disappointment at the decision to remove horses from modern pentathlon entirely by the time the Los Angeles Olympics rolls around in 2028. The switch to obstacle course running in place of showjumping has not been well-received by many competitors, who feel that it detracts from the essence of the sport.
The decision to eliminate horses from modern pentathlon was accelerated after a German coach struck a horse during the Tokyo Olympics, sparking outrage among animal lovers and athletes alike. The move towards a more modern modern pentathlon may not sit well with traditionalists, but it aims to ensure the safety and well-being of the animals involved in the competition.
Despite her ninth-placed finish in Versailles, Bryson remains optimistic and focused on the bigger picture. As she prepares to begin work as a junior doctor in Bath and continue her service as an army reservist, she reflects on the importance of balancing her athletic pursuits with other aspects of her life. While she may have missed out on a medal at this event, Bryson is determined to continue striving for success and potentially compete in future Olympic Games.
The gold medal at the event was claimed by Michelle Gulyas of Hungary, who set a world record points haul of 1,461. Silver went to Élodie Clouvel of France, with bronze being awarded to Seong Seung-min of South Korea. Team GB’s reigning Olympic champion, Kate French, had to withdraw due to illness, leading to Annika Zillekens of Germany stepping in as a late replacement. Despite the lack of a proper warm-up, Zillekens gave her best effort and finished in 15th place.
As modern pentathlon bids farewell to its traditional horse-riding component, the sport looks towards a new era of competition that prioritizes the well-being of both athletes and animals. While the change may be met with mixed feelings, it represents a step towards a more modern and inclusive approach to this challenging and dynamic sport.
