Joe Choong, the reigning gold medalist in modern pentathlon, is not just defending his title at the Paris 2024 Olympics—he’s fighting to preserve the sport’s traditional form. Modern pentathlon, an Olympic event since 1912, is set for a major transformation after Paris, with its equestrian component being replaced by an obstacle course inspired by “American Ninja Warrior.”
This change follows a controversial incident at the 2021 Tokyo Games, where a coach was caught striking a horse. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) demanded the removal of horse riding or risk the sport's elimination from the Olympics. The decision has divided the pentathlon community, with some athletes lament losing the sport’s historical roots.
As the sport undergoes this dramatic shift, the Paris Games will mark the end of an era, with the future of modern pentathlon secured but forever changed.