Following the sad and extremely disappointing news over the last few days in relation to the ride discipline within Modern Pentathlon, the following letter has today been sent to the Chair of PGB.
Yorkshire Pentathlon Club
Open Letter to Pentathlon GB Committee Members
6th November 2021
Dear Sir or Madam,
We all read the shock announcement on Thursday 4th November 2021 from the UIPM regarding the elimination of
the ride element from Modern Pentathlon following the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
We assume that Pentathlon GB was unaware of this decision, but we would like to formally ask you if you were
consulted at any time prior to the announcement.
Judging by your media publications, we assume not, so we are writing to you today to formally request that you DO
NOT ACCEPT the force majeure process the UIPM are attempting to pass through.
We feel that this is wholly unacceptable, and we would like to see Pentathlon GB stand up on behalf of the Modern
Pentathlon clubs and athletes throughout the country.
It is our understanding that a change like this requires discussion and debate – a fair, constitutional process – but
this has not happened, and we cannot accept this forced decision!
Yorkshire Pentathlon Club is well-established and has been in existence since the year 2000, producing a number of
successful athletes who have competed at both national and international level. We see many young athletes
coming through via Pony Club Tetrathlon, and we also have committed relationships with Bishop Burton College and
riding stables across the region who provide horses and instructors to support our training programmes.
We fear that if the ride element is removed from Modern Pentathlon, we will lose many athletes and our club will be
forced to close. This would be a heart-breaking outcome for all involved in the sport, including athletes, coaches,
and volunteers. We are appealing to you directly to stand up to the UIPM on our behalf in order to protect the
future and legacy of our sport.
Yours sincerely,
Yorkshire Pentathlon Club Committee
Steve Hood – Chairman
Rachel Price – Vice Chair
Ann Marshall – Regional Co-ordinator
Simon Frost – Treasurer
Isabelle Barnard – Welfare Officer
Nicola Barnard – Yorkshire Academy Lead
Sarah Redfern, Julie Frost, Lindsey Kavarics & Angela Hood – Secretary/s
