This process unfolded through a combination of sporting reforms, competitive milestones, governance instances, and an expansion of the movement’s reach beyond the traditional format. The season highlighted a strategy oriented toward adaptation, diversification of disciplines, and the construction of a more connected global community, with Pentathlon at its core.

Sporting Evolution and New Competition Formats

The evolution of the competition format was one of the central pillars of the year. Throughout the season, the new Pentathlon format continued its progressive implementation, incorporating disciplines such as Obstacle and Direct Elimination Fencing, considered milestones in the sport’s recent development. These additions were tested and refined in competition, with direct participation from athletes in the validation process.

The full application of this new format reached a turning point at the UIPM 2025 Pentathlon World Championships, held in Kaunas, Lithuania. The event was entirely held in an indoor arena, presenting the sport as a sporting and entertainment product, with high audience attendance, intense competition, and positive feedback from athletes, spectators, and partners.

Governance, Global Expansion, and Sports Ecosystem

The year was also marked by an intensive institutional and governance agenda. Participation in International Olympic Committee sessions and the International Federations Forum strengthened ties with other sporting bodies and positioned Pentathlon within the Olympic landscape, looking ahead to the Los Angeles 2028 Games. Meanwhile, Executive Board meetings and continuous dialogue with national federations accompanied reform processes and decision-making.

In this context, the integration of World Obstacle into the UIPM advanced, a process aimed at broadening the movement’s reach and diversifying its sporting base. This integration is part of a broader vision that positions Pentathlon as the center of a global ecosystem, surrounded by complementary disciplines that provide different entry points for athletes, organizers, and audiences, from speed and precision formats to endurance and outdoor challenge events.

Audience Engagement and Sustainable Growth Model

The institutional strategy also emphasized relationships with audiences and community building. The proposed journey envisions a transition from discovering the sport—often driven by digital content and visual storytelling—to following, participating in local events, and ultimately developing a sense of belonging to a global community. This process relies on content that humanizes athletes, understandable and engaging events, and an international network connecting clubs, federations, and fans.

This approach integrates into a sustainable growth model based on a continuous cycle: developing attractive competitions and strong narratives allows the capture of audiences and partners, generating resources that are reinvested in innovation and development. The model is already in operation and depends on coordination, trust, and shared ambition within the international Pentathlon community, transitioning from a preservation mindset to one of creation and structural expansion.

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Task Force members agreed that the Beijing event was a major success in terms of organization and competition delivery, particularly in the 100m and 400m formats. Discussions also explored possible developments for future editions, such as longer courses, youth categories, and the inclusion of Ninja-style competitions.

Limerick 2026 to mark the end of the World Obstacle era

During the meeting, significant progress was confirmed in the integration process between UIPM and the Federation Internationale de Sports d’Obstacles -FISO-, known as World Obstacle. Both organizations reaffirmed their commitment to a smooth and mutually beneficial transition for all national federations and their athlete communities.

Under the agreement, the 2026 Obstacle World Championships, to be held in Limerick (Ireland), will be the final edition overseen by World Obstacle before the discipline’s full integration under UIPM governance. This step follows the consensus reached at the 2025 World Obstacle Congress, where national federations approved the principles guiding the integration process.

A unified model for the future of obstacle sport

Meetings in Beijing further strengthened collaboration between the two entities, fostering renewed confidence in the transition timeline. According to the agreed plan, a new World Obstacle Congress is expected to be convened in early 2026, where national federations will vote on the formal dissolution of World Obstacle.
This milestone will mark the unification of the discipline under UIPM, recognized as the sole governing body for obstacle sport within the Olympic movement.

The UIPM also confirmed the expansion of its Obstacle Task Force, which will include additional representatives from the global obstacle community. The group will continue to lead the integration and technical development process, ensuring both competitive continuity and institutional growth.

Through this initiative, the UIPM reinforces its leadership role in managing emerging disciplines, integrating obstacle sport innovation into the structural and regulatory framework of the Olympic movement.

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Among the most significant announcements was the awarding of the UIPM Pentathlon World Championships to Budapest (Hungary) in 2027 and Cairo (Egypt) in 2028, both established hosts of major events on the UIPM calendar.

UIPM returns to the United States

The UIPM Pentathlon World Cup circuit will return to the United States in 2027, with one of its four regular-season rounds staged in West Hollywood, Los Angeles. The same city will also host the UIPM 2028 Congress, coinciding with the Olympic Games. West Hollywood thus becomes a strategic venue in the Olympic cycle.

In 2026, the season will begin on 8 April in Cairo, continue in Pazardzhik (Bulgaria) in May, and move to Budapest in June, where the World Cup Final will also take place in the first week of July. All dates will soon be added to the UIPM official events calendar.

Expansion in Asia with new host federations

The UIPM Executive Board also ratified the entry of new Asian nations as organisers. India, Indonesia and Kuwait were awarded hosting rights after a record number of bids. Pune will host the 2027 Laser Run World Championships, Bali will stage the 2027 Biathle-Triathle World Championships, and Kuwait City will host the U19 & U15 World Championships in 2028.

In addition, Egypt will stage the Junior and U17 World Championships in 2027, while Kaunas will host the same competition in 2028. On the African continent, Pretoria (South Africa) has been designated as the host of the U19 & U15 World Championships in 2027.

Calendar shared between Europe and South Africa

The city of Cape Town (South Africa) has been chosen to host the 2026 Masters World Championships, as well as the 2028 Biathle-Triathle and Laser Run World Championships. In Europe, Munich will host the 2028 Obstacle Laser Run World Championships, while Kaunas and Istanbul consolidate their place on the UIPM World Cup circuit.

Budapest, in addition to staging the 2027 Senior World Championships, will also host the 2027 World Cup Final, confirming its role as one of the leading venues in the UIPM international calendar.

Rob Stull highlights the global movement

The UIPM President, Rob Stull OLY, emphasised the strategic importance of the decisions taken in Lithuania: “Here in Kaunas we are showing the world the potential of our new cutting-edge Pentathlon, which has also guided the direction of our Executive Board meeting. It is exciting that our sports will expand into new horizons in 2027 and 2028 while also returning to countries where we have enjoyed great moments in the past.”

Stull added: “I am grateful to the Executive Board for two days of intelligent, frank and thoughtful conversations about the trajectory of our sport. We are fully focused on strengthening the commercial viability of our discipline, expanding our global movement and opening it up to new audiences.”

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Modern Pentathlon is undergoing a period of transformation and consolidation. The UIPM has created a 90-minute programme that condenses the intensity of all five disciplines. This shift represents an evolution from the previous five-day championships, while preserving the essence of the sport conceived by Pierre de Coubertin and adapting it to a broader audience.

Tribute to the pioneer

The President of the UIPM reflected on the season, noting that “it has been a long, hot summer in the northern hemisphere, with events that left their mark.” On 23 June, he attended the handover of the International Olympic Committee -IOC- presidency from Thomas Bach to Kirsty Coventry, during Olympic Day. In that speech, the figure of Pierre de Coubertin, founder of the Olympic Movement, was highlighted, and he will be honoured on Pierre de Coubertin Pentathlon Day on 9 September.

The calendar also featured key competitions such as the Junior World Championships in Hungary, which saw a record participation of nearly 200 athletes, as well as a double event in Egypt with the World Cup Final and the World Relay Championships. This was followed by the U17 World Championships in Johannesburg (South Africa), held in the local winter, providing athletes with very favourable conditions.

Innovation to build an attractive product

The World Championships in Kaunas will be the first to adopt the new format, introducing direct elimination in Fencing and the brand-new Obstacle discipline, alongside Swimming and the Laser Run. “Kaunas is the first major opportunity to show how we have turned a page and how our athletes are embracing a faster and more exciting competition,” the organisation stated.

The chosen venue, the Zalgirio Arena, is set to deliver a world-class experience that goes beyond sporting results. The UIPM emphasises that the goal is to position Modern Pentathlon as an attractive product for live spectators and digital audiences alike, with an approach increasingly focused on entertainment.

An experience designed to engage audiences

Organisers stress that innovation is not limited to the sporting format but also extends to the show’s presentation. In Budapest, for instance, athletes entered the arena to the sound of ‘Thunderstruck’ by AC/DC, sparking an enthusiastic response from fans. “We want Pentathlon to be experienced as a total spectacle: the sights, the sounds, the atmosphere of the venue and even the local gastronomy are part of what we offer to the audience,” added the UIPM.

The evolution of Modern Pentathlon aims to develop new stars and attract younger audiences. With the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games on the horizon, the Kaunas World Championships stand as a decisive showcase for the future of the sport.

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“This is a new beginning for modern pentathlon. Our athletes are the most versatile in the Games, and this new discipline adds a 21st century flavor that connects with today’s audience,” Stull told the business outlet.

From horses to Obstacle racing

Obstacle racing has replaced equestrian jumping as one of the five events in the modern pentathlon, which retains fencing, swimming, running and shooting. According to Stull, this decision is in response to several factors, including the high costs of transporting horses and the need to appeal to a wider audience. “The International Olympic Committee (IOC) didn’t force us to choose obstacles, but they made it clear to us that we needed to innovate. Equestrian show jumping was a challenge for us and didn’t fit the cost model going forward.”

The new event, a 70-meter course with eight obstacles, debuted at this year’s World Cup, where athletes completed the course in just 25-35 seconds. “The second you say ‘ninja,’ people understand what you’re talking about,” Stull commented, referencing the global popularity of the television show Ninja Warrior.

A prominent place on the Los Angeles 2028 calendar

Modern pentathlon has secured a prime spot on the Los Angeles 2028 calendar, with its two medals up for grabs during the first four days of the Games. “That will help us a lot,” Stull noted. “We’ll have an extra day of broadcasting, and we’ll be around urban sports like BMX and 3×3 basketball. We’re with the popular ‘kids.’” This change is significant, as in previous editions the modern pentathlon was held on the last days of the Games, competing for attention with events such as the men’s basketball final. “It’s a breakthrough for us,” Stull added.

While the new format has been well received, Stull acknowledged that there is still room for tweaks before Los Angeles 2028. “No one has failed to scale the final wall in competition, so we could raise it to make it more spectacular and exciting,” he commented. However, he stressed that these are minor details and that “the foundation for the future is already in place.”

From Pierre de Coubertin to the future

The modern pentathlon was created more than a century ago by Pierre de Coubertin, founder of the modern Olympic Games, as a test of a soldier’s skills. According to Stull, the baron would have supported this evolution: “De Coubertin would say ‘you’re welcome’. He was an innovator and would have recognized the need for change.”

With its new image and an event that combines tradition and innovation, the modern pentathlon is looking to consolidate itself as a relevant sport on the Olympic stage. “We are building the future of modern pentathlon,” Stull concluded.

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The competition will bring together OCR specialists and elite pentathletes, who will face off on courses of 100 meters, 400 meters, and 3 kilometers. The events will take place at the renovated sports complex that hosted the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, aiming to solidify this emerging discipline within the Olympic ecosystem.

A strategic step

The UIPM sees this initiative as a key step in its modernization process and outreach to new audiences. After officially adding obstacles to modern pentathlon, the governing body created a commission and working group focused on developing OCR, with the backing of the Congress held in November 2024. This shift also positions UIPM as the only Olympic federation recognized by the IOC to regulate obstacle sports worldwide.

From China, excitement is palpable. Bin Zhang, president of the Chinese Modern Pentathlon Association, highlighted the impact the event will have on promoting the sport among younger generations. In addition to offering attractive prizes and a high-level competitive environment, Beijing is presented as an ideal setting thanks to its urban scale and organizational expertise. “We are honored to begin this four-year journey,” said Zhang.

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One of the highlights of the meeting was the unanimous vote for the immediate creation of an Obstacles Working Group. This team will focus on integrating the steeplechase community within the IUFM sports movement. This decision follows the vote of the UIPM 2024 Congress in favor of the creation of an Obstacles Commission, which will aim to explore the commercial possibilities of this integration.

New venues for international competitions

The Executive Board also assigned venues for several major competitions. Among them are:

• Pentathlon World Cup 2026: Catania, Italy.
• Pentathlon World Cup Final 2026: Budapest, Hungary.
• 2025-2028 World Obstacle Championships (OCR): Beijing, China.

These decisions reflect UIPM’s commitment to the expansion and development of its disciplines in different regions of the world.

Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games

Much of the meeting focused on the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic cycle. During the session, UIPM Vice President Kitty Chiller OLY of Australia was appointed to lead communication with the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games Organizing Committee. This move underlines the importance of long-term planning to ensure the success of modern pentathlon at future Olympic events.

UIPM President Rob Stull OLY highlighted the importance of the meeting, calling it a constructive space to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the organization. In his words, the Executive Board is committed to making decisions that benefit the sports community.

Participation of the International Olympic Committee

The meeting was attended by Kit McConnell, sports director of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), who gave a detailed explanation of the IOC’s decisions regarding athlete quotas for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. UIPM’s reaction to this announcement can be found on its official website.

In addition, it was reported that the UIPM Athletes’ Committee has been invited to hold discussions with the IOC Sports Department and the IOC Athletes’ Commission. These meetings will be organized in the near future, reinforcing the dialogue between stakeholders in the development of modern pentathlon.

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Following the announcement of the chairs of six commissions on January 31, seven commissions have been formed with a diverse mix of former athletes, sports industry specialists, technical experts and historians. In addition, prominent figures from the political, artistic, business and journalistic fields have been added.

FORMER OLYMPIC ATHLETES SERVING THE UIPM

Among the appointments are three Olympic medalists: Kate French (United Kingdom), champion in Tokyo 2020, and Yane Marques (Brazil), bronze medalist in London 2012, who will be part of the Women’s Commission. Anastasiya Prokopenko (Belarus), bronze medalist at Beijing 2008, will be a member of the Culture and Education Commission.

Justinas Kinderis (Lithuania), 2013 world champion, will chair the Sport for All Commission, while Joshua Riker-Fox (Canada) joins the Equipment Commission. In the Innovation Commission, Mexican Olympic pentathletes Ivar Sisniega and Horacio de la Vega will collaborate in the development of new strategies for sport.

LEADERSHIP AND EXPERIENCE IN DIVERSE AREAS

Sisniega, former first vice president of the UIPM, recently served as secretary general of the Pan American Sports Organization (PASO) and is currently executive president of the Mexican Football Federation. De la Vega, executive president of the Mexican Baseball League, was world youth champion in 1995 and world team champion in 1998.

Dr. Klaus Schormann (Germany), who recently completed a 31-year term as UIPM President, will chair the Culture and Education Commission and will be part of the Pierre de Coubertin Commission, led by Alexandra de Navacelle de Coubertin (France), a descendant of the founder of Modern Pentathlon.

Cristina Vasilianov, vice-president and former secretary general of the National Olympic Committee of Moldova, joins the Women’s Commission.

DEVELOPMENT OF MODERN PENTATHLON

Each commission president will have the power to bring in additional experts as advisors. Current UIPM President Rob Stull expressed his enthusiasm for the new appointments, “I am delighted that the Executive Board has approved such an exciting group of individuals to serve on the UIPM Commissions during the Los Angeles 2028 cycle. Given our new motto ‘Athletes First,’ I am pleased to see so many champions of our sport on this list.”

Stull underlined the importance of the commissions in the development of Modern Pentathlon: “Our commissions play a vital role in the growth of our movement in a number of key areas, supporting the day-to-day operational work of the UIPM and the strategic oversight of the Executive Board and elected Committees. Each appointee will bring value and I challenge you to think innovatively and with an open mind. I look forward to their discussions and recommendations.”

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“This position is the highlight of my career,” stated Stull, who began his career as a pentathlete 45 years ago. During his acceptance speech, he emphasized that he will work closely with the national federations and the UIPM team to elevate the sport: “My mission is to lead and support our federations and ensure we meet expectations in Los Angeles 2028.”

The new president highlighted the success of the Paris 2024 Games as a standard they must now match or exceed. “The French did a spectacular job when the world needed a successful Games. Now we have the opportunity to build on that success,” he said.

INNOVATION AND ADAPTABILITY AS PRIORITIES

Stull, a former Olympian in pentathlon and fencing, stressed the need to keep modern pentathlon relevant and accessible. One of the biggest recent changes has been the inclusion of steeplechase as a replacement for equestrian. “This discipline offers us a huge opportunity for growth. My priority is to ensure that all our national federations have access to this discipline during my term,” he explained.

In addition, the new president stressed the importance of developing a sustainable business model to fund the growth of the sport and support national federations. “We must be able to generate our own revenues, without relying solely on sports ministries,” he added.

THE CHALLENGE OF THE 2028 LOS ANGELES GAMES

With the Los Angeles Olympics on the horizon, Stull sees a unique opportunity to highlight modern pentathlon in his country. However, he also recognizes the logistical challenges: “My biggest concern is not having enough seats in the stadium. Pentathlon has always been one of the best-selling sports because it offers five different disciplines in one event.”

The president also shared his desire for the 72 athletes who will compete in Los Angeles to have an unforgettable experience: “I want them to feel the thrill of walking into the Los Angeles Coliseum, just like we did in 1984. That power of sport is transformative.

A HISTORY OF DEDICATION TO THE SPORT

Stull recalled how he discovered pentathlon through a college classmate and how the sport changed his life. From his participation in the 1988 Olympics in two disciplines to his role as an announcer at UIPM events, he has dedicated his life to modern pentathlon. “I firmly believe that everyone is good at something; you just need to find it,” he commented.

With his leadership, Rob Stull hopes to not only strengthen modern pentathlon on the Olympic stage, but also ensure that the sport is accessible and relevant to the next generation of athletes. “The power of the Olympic Games and sport in general is something I want everyone involved in pentathlon to be able to experience.”

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