Governing body to review Tokyo Olympic pentathlon riding after ‘distressing’ scenes

THE world modern pentathlon governing body is to conduct a “full review” of the riding element of the women’s competition in Tokyo after “distressing” scenes at the Games.

The sport, in which competitors have to take on a showjumping course of up to 1.20m on borrowed horses, as well as fencing, swimming, running and shooting, has sparked debate over the standard of riding at every recent Olympics.

But although governing body UIPM admitted that “the number of refusals and falls [in the women’s event] on August 6 was slightly above average”, it was German competitor Annika Schleu’s actions that put the sport in the spotlight.

The athlete, who was in gold-medal position before the showjumping, was seen in tears and using her whip repeatedly as her ride Saint Boy, who had done similar with his previous rider, napped. The combination started their round but having crashed through one oxer, the horse napped again and then refused to jump.

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Article written by: Eleanor Jones