Session 3: Paris 2024 Olympic Regulations - Eventing

Session 3: Paris 2024 Olympic Regulations – Eventing

Proposals outlining modifications to the Paris 2024 Olympic Regulations for Eventing were discussed during the third session of the FEI Sports Forum 2022.

The proposals put forward to delegates in this Session are the result of a widespread consultation process which saw Tokyo 2020 athletes, officials and National Federations and stakeholders with whom the FEI has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), submit key topics for review as part of an initial survey. The feedback from the survey was discussed during an online meeting held on 28 March and the main points consolidated for further deliberation at the FEI Sports Forum.

The topics included timelines for entries, ranking rules, Minimum Eligibility Requirements, substitution process, competition schedule; and the timeline between the Eventing Team and Individual Jumping tests.

The proposed changes were introduced by FEI Eventing Committee Chair and Sydney 2000 Olympic Champion David O’Connor and FEI Eventing and Olympic Director Catrin Norinder. They were debated by delegates and a panel of experts – FEI Eventing Committee Deputy Chair Geoff Sinclair, three-time Olympian and double Asian Games medallist Alex Hua Tian, and Australia’s most medalled Olympian Andrew Hoy.

Key information and proposals put forward to delegates for discussion included:

• That the principles applicable to FEI deadlines for Olympic Rankings and MERs, which were used for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, be maintained for Paris 2024.
• To apply the FEI Eventing World Athlete Ranking Rules to the Olympic Rankings.
• Taking into account the comments received during the consultation process and the lessons learnt from Tokyo, it was proposed to include an additional CCI4*-S which would see the MERs consist of one CCI4*L (or CCI5*L) AND a minimum of two CCI4*S, one of which needs to be achieved after 1 January 2024. Also presented for discussion were two propositions: to have MERs be achieved at two different events or in two different countries.
• To adapt the Dressage test length & timetable to fit on one day and organise a trial event for Judges.
• To reduce the number of participants in the Individual Jumping test from 25 to 20 competitors.
• To maintain a maximum of 90 minutes between the Eventing Team and Individual Jumping Test.
• Other topics related to Technology, Sports Presentation and NOC accreditation quotas would be addressed and referred to discussion with the IOC.
• The sports format would be open for review in the future.

During the discussions, there was widespread consensus that MERs should be achieved in two different events and venues, the proposal of obtaining the MERs in two different countries was deemed to be too difficult in the smaller countries.

In terms of reducing the number of participants in the Individual Jumping test from 25 to 20 competitors, there were key arguments put forward in favour of having either number.

Andrew Hoy (AUS) noted that it is important that any competition to put forward the best of the sport, athletes and horses. With 25 athletes jumping in the individual competition, it is unlikely that the athlete who ranks 25th will medal.

While Alex Hua Tian (CHN) agreed with this, he also argued in favour of having 25 competitors for the promotion and growth of the sport in different regions. From Hua Tian’s personal experience, being in the Individual Final does provide a public relations boost for athletes from developing countries.

Soenke Lauterbach (GER) cautioned that if the test included 25 participants, competitors from further down the list should not be allowed to participate in cases of withdrawals.

Regarding the length of the dressage tests, Andrew Hoy believed that the length of the current test works as it creates much better riding and viewing for the people watching. Today’s spectators like to see the results quickly, and this one of the challenges of Eventing as a sport.

Speakers:
♦ David O'Connor (USA), Chair of the FEI Eventing Committee
♦ Catrin Norinder, FEI Director Olympic and Eventing

Panellists:
♦ Alex Hua Tian (CHN), Eventing Athlete
♦ Andrew Hoy (AUS), Eventing Athlete