The International Modern Pentathlon Union has confirmed that showjumping will cease to be a part of the event from 2028 onwards.

Showjumping has formed a part of the modern pentathlon since its inaugural appearance at the Olympics Games in 1912, but the sport was at the centre of controversy during the Tokyo 2020 Games.

With several athletes struggling to control their horses, Germany coach Kim Raisner was thrown out for striking the animal and encouraging competitor Annika Schleu to "really hit" her horse.

UIPM president Dr Klaus Schormann said in a statement: "A new discipline will provide fresh impetus to our sport and strengthen the position of modern pentathlon within the Olympic movement.

"The modern pentathlon will remain a five-discipline sport and will continue to provide the ultimate moral and physical examination of an athlete, as Coubertin envisaged.

"In all of our communications with various stakeholders, we have all agreed that we need to keep our sport at the highest possible level, designed to test the physical and mental qualities of the complete athlete.

"We now look forward to an inclusive and very positive consultation process as we consider which sporting discipline is the most suitable to take modern pentathlon into a new era, alongside swimming, fencing and laser run (laser shooting and running)."

Cycling is rumoured to be the leading contender to replace showjumping in the modern pentathlon. body check tags ::