Modern pentathlon’s governing body have backed a new alternative for show jumping at the Olympics in 2028
Modern pentathlon’s governing body are set to propose their controversial plan to replace show jumping with obstacle course racing at the 2028 Olympic Games.
The decision to replace show jumping with obstacle course racing was approved by the event’s international governing body (UIPM) after backing from national federations. And the obstacle course discipline proposition will now be taken to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as modern pentathlon organisers bid to remain in the Olympic program.
Show jumping was axed by officials following the Tokyo games after a horse was punched by her coach. German athlete Annika Schleu saw her horse struck by coach Kim Raisner after refusing a jump. The discipline was put under huge scrutiny after the scandal and organisers have since been seeking an alternative in an attempt to preserve modern pentathlon as an Olympic event.
Show jumping will remain at Paris 2024, but obstacle course racing was chosen as its replacement for future Olympics and was the only event trialled after 61 suggestions to replace the horse riding discipline.