Which discipline was abolished in modern pentathlon in 2025?
Correct answer to the quiz question
Show jumping
The discipline that was abolished and finally replaced in the modern pentathlon in 2025 was show jumping (riding). From 2025, the modern pentathlon no longer consists of the original five disciplines of fencing, swimming, riding, shooting and running, but riding has been replaced by obstacle course racing (OCR).
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Detailed answer to the quiz question
The discipline that was abolished and finally replaced in the modern pentathlon in 2025 was show jumping (riding). From 2025, the modern pentathlon no longer consists of the original five disciplines of fencing, swimming, riding, shooting and running, but riding has been replaced by obstacle course racing (OCR).
Background and context of the rule change
The decision of the world federation UIPM (Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne) to abolish show jumping was highly controversial, but a necessary step to make the sport future-proof and to be able to remain at the Olympic Games.
The end of show jumping
Show jumping was removed from the program because it brought the sport into criticism and led to unpredictable, sometimes dramatic moments.
- The main reason: the discipline was criticized for animal welfare. The incident at the 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo, in which an athlete hit her assigned horse, led to massive public pressure and threatened to jeopardize the Olympic future of the sport.
- Assignment of horses: A key problem was the practice of athletes being assigned horses shortly before the competition, which could lead to a lack of coordination and uncontrollable falls.
- Replacement: The 2024 season was the last in which show jumping was part of the modern pentathlon.
The new discipline: Obstacle Course
As a replacement for horse riding, the obstacle course (often described as the Ninja Warrior course ) was introduced to test athleticism, skill and speed.
- Implementation: The steeplechase was gradually introduced in test competitions and has been a fixed part of the discipline list since 2025.
- Modern elements: The obstacle course is designed to make the sport more dynamic, spectator-friendly and fair, as all athletes compete under the same conditions.
- New order of disciplines (from 2025):
- Fencing
- Swimming
- Bonus fencing (as part of the combined discipline)
- Laser run (combination of running and shooting)
- Obstacle course (replaces riding)
Conclusion
The discipline of show jumping (equestrian) was removed from the modern pentathlon in 2025 to make the sport safer and more sustainable and to secure its status as an Olympic discipline. Riding was replaced by obstacle course racing.
