Modern Pentathlon Update: Controversial Changes as Horse Riding is Excluded After Paris Olympics

It is said that the most variable event in modern pentathlon is ‘horse riding.’ Athletes compete on horses randomly selected by the event organizers, but there was much criticism that a fair competition was not possible due to the uneven performance of the horses. Due to several controversies, horse riding was removed from the modern pentathlon event after the Paris Olympics. A handicap race will be held in the future.

However, at the Olympics in Paris, there was an event that turned out to be unpredictable, such as horse riding. ‘Laser Run’ is a combination of athletics and shooting. In particular, Jeon Woong-tae (29), Korea’s modern pentathlon star, who was evaluated as laser running strength, had a hard time in this competition. In the first series of shots alone, he took 25 seconds and 77 seconds to fire a total of 14 shots to hit 5 shots. He lost his flow in the first scene, so he went over the game, thinking he had to catch the players, but instead he let himself catch the end and he finished the competition in 6th place. Previously, at today’s International Pentathlon Union (UIPM) World Championships held in June, Jeon Woong-tae recorded a ‘perfect’ score of hitting all 20 shots in row four -burn, with a total time of only 28.82 seconds.

There could be endless reasons, but there were differences worth noting. This is where the firing squad is placed. Let me explain with pictures.

Olympic women’s pentathlon final in Paris. The audience can be seen behind the target. Download Olympic YouTube channel video. These Olympic Games, which were held in a special stadium set up at the Palace of Versailles, had spectator stands behind the firing squad, which was unusual. Generally, there is a screening wall behind the shooting station, or the shooting station is installed in a direction away from spectators. Just look at the stadium for today’s International Pentathlon Union (UIPM) World Championships held in Zhengzhou, China in June.

UIPM World Championships women’s final in June. A screening wall is placed behind the target. UIPM YouTube channel video recording. Although shooting in today’s pentathlon is done with a laser gun, the presence of spectators on the side of the target must have had an effect on the athlete. Of course, as a spectator, you would have been happy to see the dynamic expressions of the players. An official from the national team explained, “The sound of cheering is always present in the stadium, but the sight of spectators waving the national flags of each country behind the goal must have been a burden for the players . Laser Run courses are designed differently depending on the characteristics of each stadium, so it is not easy to establish clear standards. UIPM rules state that “shooting ranges must be constructed in a manner that ensures the safety of athletes, coaches, referees and spectators.”

In fact, it is difficult to say that the position of the shooting team had a decisive effect on performance. A total of 72 athletes taking part in today’s pentathlon at the Paris Olympics were all competing in the same environment. However, wouldn’t it be very unfortunate if the unexpected variables affected the athletes who were just dreaming about the Olympics? I give my respect and praise to all the athletes who competed at the Paris Olympics.

Reporter Kang Hong-gu windup@donga.com