Updated 20-Sep-2023
By 2024 the Pentathlon event will likely replace horse jumping with some kind of obstacle course. But is a run + laser pistol really modern? And fencing? Perhaps a complete rethink is actually needed. I do get that shooting and running are a useful combination, much like skiing and rifle shooting of biathlons. But an officer caught behind enemy lines does not use a sword of any kind, nor a laser pistol. Running, swimming, shooting, all good. But perhaps something with a motorcycle (the modern horse), or something more pugilistic such as boxing or judo. By moving the direction of an obstacle course to replace horse jumping, while maintaining fencing, this is an unsatisfying monster. Horses, swords, pistols, swimming and running all make sense together. Start tinkering with some of the elements and the rationale falls apart.