Concerns raised over Olympic format
THE new three-to-a-team Olympic format has sparked further controversy following the European Eventing Championships (17-20 August).
Under the format, just three combinations will compete in Tokyo, with no drop score. Any combination not completing a phase will be able to progress, if accepted as fit, with penalties.
Reserves will be allowed, but if a combination is substituted in, the team will incur a penalty.
At the European Championships in Strzegom, Poland, the bronze medal-winning Swedish team was the only one in which all four team riders completed every phase, causing concern the format will reward “mediocre results”.
British eventer Tina Cook, who was on the gold medal-winning team, said the fact so few teams finish with all riders completing — as at the Europeans — contributed to her concerns.
“With no drop scores, finishing scores would include non-completions and if you have a substituted rider, you could have a medal-winning team with combinations who have not done all three phases — explain that to the public,” she told H&H. “Also countries would have reserves as exceptional showjumpers as that’s when they’re most likely to be used. It’s criminal.No one wants a mediocre result and winner.”
Tina felt the new format could harm the future of the sport.
“The Olympics need to be the pinnacle and only the very best go,” she added. “It is a real shame and I cannot believe any person in the sport could believe in it.”
GB eventing trainer Chris Bartle said it will present an “interesting challenge” for Tokyo.
“I’m not in favour but can we change it? I doubt it. We have to make it work,” he told H&H.
“It alters the tactics on the day and the strategy in advance. No doubt, the draw will play a bigger part in the result — later teams will benefit from earlier ones.”
An FEI spokesman said the format is part of its “commitment to keep equestrian sport in the Olympic programme”.
“Universality and gender equality are key elements and the changes were voted in to have more flags, an integral part of equestrian sport remaining in the Olympics,” she said. “It is great our sport is secured to 2024, but strategies will have to adapt.”
She said the substitution principle is to be confirmed but a format test before Tokyo is not being considered. The number of penalties for not completing phases or substituting has not been confirmed.