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There are questions to be asked why the horse wasn't withdrawn. It is an animal though, so describing it as not functional, as though it was a broken piece of equipment isn't really helpful.
I would say that the fault here lies squarely with those that organised the event plus current rules, and not the horse. My understanding is that they are considering rule changes for the wellbeing of the horses - and not from unacceptable punching/whipping, but from the point of view that they are given to a rider with just 20 minutes notice then told to perform.
I'm definitely not an expert but despite reading quite a lot about this in the last few days I've yet to see a comment from anyone with an interest in equestrianism or experience in modern pentathlon that seems to think the problem was the horse.
I don't always agree with what they fund --- I'd like to see more prioritisation of funding for participation sports --- but it was a bloody great decision by John Major thats paid dividends for a long time now.
I read that in 1995 the UK spent approx £5m on Olympic sports. In the last twelve months the equivalent figure is £345m !
When I think back to Olympics decades ago, the likes of France, Italy and Germany (East and West) did far better than they do now. We've certainly moved well ahead of that peer group, having previously been massively underperforming.
Australia, New Zealand and the Netherlands also punch well above their weight, they're much smaller than GB.
Aye, funny enough I'm sat here drinking tea after taking my son out on his horse, due to the high winds today she (the horse) was a bit on edge, so my son calmed her and talked to her, rather than punching.
I posted that, then thought it was too much of an arsey comment so I came back and deleted it. It looks like you jumped in before I did the deed! Thus I feel forced to apologise - I apologise for my arsey comment.
I will admit that I am indeed a armchair viewer of most sports that I watch ( not that many to be fair), but I did do a bit of climbing in my youth so understand the level of fitness needed, and commitment to maintain it required to climb at those sort of extremes. Working down here in Dorset I also know a few people on the fringes of the UK sailing and Windsurfing squad and see them train all year round in some of the foulest weather, just for the chance to be considered for selection.
I refuse to apologise for showing concern with the welfare of children. I hope the child alluded to keeps well and continues to enjoy life. I have always believed that it is the responsibility of adults to circle the wagons as it were, and protect the young. Sadly in this particular case, the National Olympic Committee and her parents failed in this regard. I hope she does not suffer long term effects resulting from this negligence.
Your response (to my post) @WiresDreamDisasters reads as pathetic. I invite you to re-read my posts on this subject and point out where you think I am wrong. Otherwise you merely look like a keyboard warrior that has not the vocabulary to articulate what you feel. I am interested in your views on this as "What the fuck is actually wrong with you???" only confirms my suspicions that you are a keyboard warrior ....
Nil Satis Nisi Optimum
How wrong - Some great events, with success for GB and the world - Enjoyed many events and many great moments - Did tend to watch a lot of via the iplayer and/or Eurosports hi-lights but thoroughly enjoyed it
Makes you wonder about visiting Paris for 2024 - I'd pick cycling for tickets if I could - But I recall it was tough to get tickets in a lottery/ballot for London, so will probably harder for Paris - Plus prices will be sky high - So I dare say home and Eurosport viewing will be simpler
However, I do feel that this whole extreme sports culture is a bit of a meat grinder for young bodies, with riders pushing the boundaries more and more. Certainly most freestyle bmx/mx riders will have broken multiple bones by the time they reach their late 20s (check out Travis Pastrana’s injury list) and as they get older it’s going to catch up with them. And that’s just the well known ones, there must be thousands of kids who have to drop out after serious injury you never hear about.