Joe Choong threatens to QUIT modern pentathlon as Olympic champion says it ‘would not be the same sport’ if show jumping is replaced by cycling
Olympic champion 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 on Tuesday that show jumping 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.
Choong, who won gold for Great Britain in the men’s event at Tokyo 2020, 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 feel 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.
Joe Choong says he would have to quit modern pentathlon if a new change is implemented
‘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. That to me is not a nice idea.
‘The sport was invented in 1912. I don’t think you can change the sport like that with so much history.’
Show jumping is set to be replaced by cycling after a German coach punched a horse at Tokyo 2020 in scenes that shocked the sport
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 athlete Annika Schleu, who had been leading the women’s competition. Team GB’s Kate French went on to win the gold medal before Choong completed a British double the following day.
‘It was quite distressing watching that but there are a lot of fixes which would work really well to keep riding in it as a format,’ added Choong.
‘In the UK, we have to do a riding test – a bit like getting a driving licence – before you are allowed to go and compete internationally on a horse. But internationally there is no rule like that so anyone can turn up and get chucked on a horse.
Choong, who won gold for Team GB last summer, says the sport would ‘not be the same’
‘At the Olympics, jumps were 1.2metres high, but often at World Cups we only have to jump 80 to 90cm, so that lets you qualify for the Olympics without actually being able to ride at an Olympic height.
‘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 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. These meetings will include an upcoming call with national federations later this week. The outcome of these meetings will be detailed in a press release to be published on 4 November.’