OLYMPIC HERO’S WARNING AS SPORT DITCHES HORSES
TOKYO gold medallist Joe Choong says he would have to quit modern pentathlon if horse riding is replaced by cycling because it ‘would not be the same sport’.
It emerged yesterday that showjumping is set to be dropped as one of the five disciplines of the 109-year-old Olympic event, which is also made up of fencing, swimming, shooting and running.
The change would come in after Paris 2024, with modern pentathlon’s governing body, UIPM, said to be considering cycling in place of riding despite not even consulting athletes.
GB’s Choong told Sportsmail: ‘It has been a shock to me. It is not nice to hear. If it changed to cycling, I wouldn’t be in the sport. It would not suit me at all. I am sure a lot of athletes would be the same.
‘I feel sorry for the juniors who have come through the sport and started their riding lessons only to have it changed so drastically. I don’t think it would be good for participation in the sport.
‘What makes pentathlon so unique is it tests a diverse range of sporting ability. You have the fitness of running and swimming, the technical element of shooting and fencing and then the ability to work with another animal in horse riding.
‘Removing horse riding, it just wouldn’t be the same sport. I personally don’t want to talk about pentathlon as a sport with a different five sports.
‘I don’t want to grow up and have kids and then explain to them how I am an Olympic champion of a sport that doesn’t exist. The sport was invented in 1912. I don’t think you can change the sport like that with so much history.
‘The UIPM haven’t spoken to any national governing bodies about this at all. I am normally a massive optimist and I am hoping this is just an idea as opposed to a decision, but it doesn’t sound great.’
The proposal to remove riding comes after the Games in Tokyo when German coach Kim Raisner was seen punching horse Saint Boy after it refused to jump for Annika Schleu.
The UIPM said in a statement: ‘As part of UIPM’s commitment to maintaining a strong, dynamic profile for modern pentathlon, a series of strategic meetings are being held.’