Modern pentathlon votes to ditch horse riding after Tokyo Olympic turmoil

It is a sport conceived originally by the founder of the modern Olympics to help cavalry riders to develop the skills needed to survive behind enemy lines.

But after 109 years, modern pentathlon’s governing body has voted secretly to remove horse riding and replace it with cycling, “the Guardian” can reveal.

Multiple sources have said the decision was taken by the Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne’s executive board in recent days, and was hastened by the distressing scenes at the Tokyo Olympics when a horse was punched by a German coach after it refused to jump a fence.

Those pictures made global headlines and the UIPM is understood to have acted in order to preserve its status in the Olympics in the lead-up to the Paris 2024 Games.

While the decision has not yet been announced officially, it is already facing a backlash from some countries who believe that losing the horse-riding element fundamentally changes the sport.
Modern pentathlon has been a core Olympic event since 1912 when it was invented by Pierre de Coubertin – and while it has since moved from a five-day event to a solitary day it has always tested athletes in fencing, swimming, show jumping, pistol shooting, and cross-country running.

The UIPM refused to deny the story when confronted by the Guardian, with a spokesperson saying: “I am not able to give you any information right now.”

However, the organisation later released a statement: “As part of UIPM’s commitment to maintaining a strong, dynamic profile for modern pentathlon, a series of strategic meetings are being held.
These meetings will include an upcoming call with national federations later this week.
The outcome of these meetings will be detailed in a press release to be published on 4 November.”

The former British modern pentathlete Kate Allenby, who won a bronze for Team GB at the Sydney Olympics, told the Guardian any move to replace riding would be a “disaster” for the sport (!!!)
“This needs talking about because it’s not modern pentathlon if it hasn’t got riding in it,” she said.

However another British Olympian Greg Whyte, who also won a world silver medal in 1994, said he could understand the change.
“I don’t think it is necessarily a bad thing,” he said. “Back in the day, the fencing part alone used to take 14 hours, while in Paris the whole event will last just 90 minutes.
All sports evolve, and no sport is immune from change in the modern TV era.”

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/nov/02/modern-pentathlon-votes-to-ditch-horse-riding-after-tokyo-olympic-turmoil

And I mean…Absolutely brilliant news! That’s right thing!!!
Frustrated riders and tortured horses are not a sport but simply a ridiculous show at the expense of the animals.
Stop using animals for “sport”, job done!

My best regards to all, Venus

Leather made from grapes, down made from flowers – the future of fashion is here and it can be yours!
H&M, one of the largest global retailers, has teamed up with PETA to create and launch the vegan fashion collection “Co-Exist Story”.

This new, sustainable collection of stylish women’s, men’s and children’s fashion is made from innovative, animal-friendly materials.

Every part in “Co-Exist Story” is PETA-Approved Vegan, so you can be sure that these products are completely animal-friendly. This means that no animals have been exploited for their skin, fur, hair or anything else.
The collection celebrates the harmonious coexistence of humans and other animals on this planet.

The “Co-Exist Story” collection will be available from November 4, 2021 on HM.com and in selected stores (local launches may vary).

Which animal-friendly materials are in the H&M and PETA collections?

You probably love flowers and wine, but have you ever worn them?
At PETA, we’re always looking for new, animal-friendly materials that are even better for the planet.
That’s why we’re delighted that the partnership with H&M includes the most innovative vegan fabrics as part of the brand’s “Innovation Stories” initiative to find the best new fabrics for the future.
These materials are as functional as they are fashionable.

FLWRDW – wild flowers instead of down feathers

This vegan down filling is made from a cellulosic material made with natural wild flowers. It has a high filling power, so it will keep you warm and cozy.
In the “Co-Exist Story” it is used in down shoes and jackets, padded trousers and reversible quilted shoulder bags.

VEGEA – grape leather instead of animal skin

VEGEA is an innovative vegan leather alternative that is partially made from grape skins, stems and seeds that are thrown away during winemaking.
The embossed waistcoat and trousers in the “Co-Exist Story” collection are made from this material, so you can wear them proudly knowing that you are both stylish and animal-loving.

ECONYL– cozy knitwear made from nylon waste

ECONYL is a regenerated nylon made from waste such as fishing nets and scraps of cloth that would otherwise pollute the earth.
This material is not only a solution to the waste, it is also more environmentally friendly.
It reduces the global warming effect of nylon by up to 90% compared to material made from oil.
In the “Co-Exist Story” collection you will find ECONYL material in oversize knit.

What does “Co-Exist Story” mean for animals?

Geese are loyal companions for life, cows are loyal friends, and sheep are playful and affectionate – they are not jackets, shoes, or sweaters.
By choosing animal-friendly materials, H&M is setting a new standard in the industry and showing that compassionate fashion is the way to go.
Using innovative materials like FLWRDWN, VEGEA and ECONYL makes it easy for customers to choose compassionate options for their wardrobe and coexist with all other sentient beings on this planet.

What does “Co-Exist Story” mean for the planet?

The “Innovation Stories” initiative from H&M is about finding new fabrics that drive the fashion industry towards sustainability.
VEGEA and ECONYL are creative examples that high quality, beautiful materials can be made with waste from other industries.
FLWRDWN uses natural wild flowers.

An environmentally friendly future is also a vegan one, as animal exploitation industries contribute massively to greenhouse gas emissions and groundwater pollution.
Coexistence means ensuring that all animals on our planet have a future by protecting habitats and using resources responsibly.

Shop the “Co-Exist Story” collection from H&M!

The collection will appear on November 4, 2021 and will be sold in selected stores such as Berlin (local launches may vary). You can also shop online at HM.com.

https://www.peta.de/neuigkeiten/hm-vegane-kollektion/

And I mean…Without a doubt a great idea, a great initiative and a promising start.
Just a little hint so that you don’t mean that this brand is now generally cruelty-free: only a part of the H&M collections is meant, not all.
But at least everyone who wants vegan clothes doesn’t have to search for hours, now everyone can find out about the collection and choose specifically within this collection.
Thank you H&M, thank you PETA.

My best regards to all, Venus