The governing body of the modern pentathlon, UIPM, has announced that the sport will be switching from horse riding to obstacle courses in 2021. This change is being made in order to make the sport more accessible, create more business opportunities, and ensure that it remains an Olympic sport in the future. The modern pentathlon, which consists of five events and was created by Pierre de Coubertin, has been part of the Olympics since 1912. However, it was left off the initial list for the 2028 games in Los Angeles, making it difficult for it to stay in the Olympics.
Klaus Schormann, the president of UIPM, stated that the change to obstacle racing would make the sport more sustainable and open to athletes from more countries. He also said that it would appeal to a younger, urban audience and give commercial partners a way to broadcast the races on TV. The decision to get rid of equestrian was controversial, but Schormann said that UIPM was listening to athletes’ concerns and working closely with them to ensure a smooth transition to the new format. The IOC will decide in October what to do with the modern pentathlon.
Recently, it has been announced that the Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne (UIPM), the international body responsible for the sport of modern pentathlon, will be modernizing the event by replacing horse riding with a laser-run course. UIPM President Dr. Klaus Schormann lauded the progressive changes, saying that the nine global laser-run centers already established in the organization’s Continental Confederations will make it easier for athletes to compete. Dr. Schormann adds that the move to laser-run courses will give the sport a much-needed boost and ‘contribute to global growth of modern pentathlon’.
Modern pentathlon has long been a central part of the Olympic Games and its other international tournaments, but of recent years, the sport has not garnered as much attention or as many participants worldwide as it used to. This has been primarily due to the expense of equestrianism, the vehicle which the sport is traditionally played on, as well as its weight requisites which make it difficult for some athletes to compete.
According to the UIPM, the laser-run format will be much more accessible. The course, which will consist of a ‘combined run/shoot’ through a series of obstacle courses, is designed to be as physically demanding and exciting as equestrianism. It will also be much safer and will allow for a wider demographic of participants to take part regardless of size and weight.
The move to a laser-run course has been widely received with excitement, as UIPM officials say that the high-tech and fast-paced game-play should appeal to a new generation of pentathlon enthusiasts. Athletes across categories from U-15, U-17 and juniors all the way to seniors should all benefit from the modernization, making it one of the most exciting and dynamic Olympic sports to watch.
Overall, the UIPM’s decision to replace horse riding with a laser-run course is a promising move that signifies an innovative new direction for modern pentathlon. With increased access and a far more level playing field, more athletes than ever can now compete, making modern pentathlon more competitive and more captivating for spectators.
