Episode 212: Modern Pentathlete Samantha Schultz's Tokyo 2020 Experience

Keep the Flame Alive

We always love it when TKFLASTANIS come back on the show, so we're thrilled that modern pentathlete Samantha Schultz had some time to chat with us about her experiences in Tokyo.

We talk with Samantha about competing in the heat, life in the Olympic Village (how were those beds?), and how the post-Olympic lows have been, as well as what's on tap for her future.

Modern pentathlon's not known for making headlines during the Olympics, but Tokyo's women's competition did -- and sadly, not for a great reason. Annika Schleu, who was leading the competition going into the horse riding portion, had a horse that refused to jump partway through the competition. This led Schleu to visibly break down, and her coach also hit the horse on the rear, an action that's prohibited by the sport's rules. Schleu's medal hopes were dashed, the coach was sent home from the Games, and the international federation had a PR nightmare to clean up.

The result is that the UIPM, the federation, annouced this week that after Paris 2024 (which will see a shortened 90-minute modern pentathlon), the riding portion will be replaced by a sport yet to be determined. All of this is in hopes that the event will be included on the sports program for LA 2028.

This news has caused quite a stir with many of the sport's athletes, and we talk with Samantha about her thoughts on what riding means to the modern pentathlon.

Throughout 2021 we're revisiting great stories from Atlanta 1996! For our Atlanta 1996 moment this week, Alison tells us all about the waving men.

We also have news from TKFLASTANIS of Team Keep the Flame Alive, including:

• Jacqueline Simoneau
• Connor Fields
• Ness Murby
• Ginny Thrasher
• McKenna Geer
• Phil Andrews

We have an update on the Raven Saunders podium protest at Tokyo 2020, with a decision as to whether or not she should receive sanctions.

Also, we have news from Beijing 2022, or really, the lack of it where foreign journalists are concerned. Will the organizing committee allow foreign press access to venues and pre-Games events as they initially said they would? Will the IOC ensure this happens. We discuss the implications of the organizing committee's actions on the global interest of these Games.

And, in time for the 1000 days out from Paris 2024, the IOC has launched a global store!

For more resources and a transcript, visit our website.

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

Photo by Shannon Grey, courtesy of Samantha Schultz.

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Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

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