He is a multi-faceted, restless person with a seemingly endless will to continue discovering and evolving. His personality, perhaps, is what led him to love a sport with as many points as a star, Modern Pentathlon. Dr Klauss Schormann studied art, political science, geography and sport. He has been President of the Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne (UIPM) since 1993 (and he served as UIPM Vice President from 1988).

In April, Dr Schormann announced that he would not stand for re-election to the presidency, which will take place in November this year. Before closing the door (not quite), SportsIn had the opportunity to chat with him, one of the people who has been most deeply rooted in the sport for the past 30 years.

Can you tell us your thoughts and impressions from Paris 2024?

The Paris 2024 Olympic Games were truly remarkable in many ways. One of the standout aspects was the strong focus on sustainability, which was successfully implemented across all sports. In terms of Modern Pentathlon, it was the most successful competition in recent history. The energy and excitement could be felt in every venue, with packed stands and an incredible atmosphere that made these Games unforgettable. The volunteers were enthusiastic, and their dedication helped create a warm and welcoming environment for athletes and spectators alike.

Paris also set a new standard for security, ensuring that the Games were peaceful and well-organized. This allowed athletes and fans to focus fully on the competition. Another historic milestone was the fact that these were the first Olympic Games held under complete gender equality, an achievement that reflects the progress the Olympic Movement has made.

What truly set Paris 2024 apart, however, was the way the city embraced its rich history. Iconic locations like the Champs-Élysées, the Eiffel Tower, and Versailles were used as stunning backdrops for sporting events, adding a unique cultural dimension to the Games that no other host city could replicate. The blend of sport, history, and French culture made Paris 2024 a once-in-a-lifetime experience for everyone involved.

As your last Olympic Games as UIPM President, was there one special moment from Paris that you will cherish?

As my last Olympic Games as UIPM President, one moment I will always cherish was on August 3rd, when friends from International Federations and National Olympic Committees gathered at the WOA House to honour my 31 years of service. The presence of so many unexpected guests and the heartfelt speeches made it an unforgettable evening. Another memorable highlight came on August 8th, when I was presented with a special award from the LA28 Organizing Committee by Dragomir Cioroslan, on behalf of Casey Wasserman and Gene Sykes. And, of course, the Modern Pentathlon competition at Versailles was a stunning showcase of the sport, unlike anything we’ve seen before.

Obstacle will make its Olympic debut in LA28. Are you confident it will be a success?

Yes, I am confident that Obstacle will be a success at LA28. We have been testing it for the past two years, and it’s already a key part of our Youth and Junior competitions. With this solid foundation and preparation, I’m certain we will deliver a strong and exciting performance.

It is a big change for the athletes. How do they feel about this change?

From my observation, athletes are primarily focused on staying in the Olympic Program, which is their top priority as they work to achieve their dreams. Younger athletes, who have only known Obstacle since riding wasn’t included in Youth competitions, have adapted easily. Even the senior athletes have embraced the change and are eager to challenge themselves for LA28. Importantly, this shift has opened the door for many countries that couldn’t afford horses before. Now, athletes who previously competed only in Biathle and Triathle can fully participate in Modern Pentathlon and compete at the Olympic level.

What does the inclusion of Obstacle mean for potential Modern Pentathlon sponsors and new audiences?

Given that Obstacle has a large global audience and high broadcasting numbers, we are confident that Modern Pentathlon can benefit by expanding its membership and attracting more athletes worldwide. This increased visibility also creates greater opportunities to secure sponsorships from a variety of industries.

What is the meaning for you of Modern Pentathlon?

For me, Modern Pentathlon is the most comprehensive multisport within the Olympic Movement. While the sport has demanded much from me, it has also given me so much in return. It has been a central part of my life, shaping and structuring it from the very beginning.

How did you meet MP?

In 1963, Istvan Szondy, a former Olympic champion, discovered me as I was an excellent runner and fencer. He saw potential in me as a talented multisport athlete and introduced me to Modern Pentathlon. I began training in Göttingen and later continued in Darmstadt during my university studies.

If you are not thinking of Modern Pentathlon, what do you like to do?

Beyond Modern Pentathlon, my passion lies in art and culture, subjects I studied and which have enriched my life alongside sport and politics. I find inspiration in visiting galleries and museums, and I enjoy exploring the intersection of art and history. This balance between the athletic and creative worlds has always been a source which fulfilled me.

What other sports do you like to practice?

Before discovering Modern Pentathlon, I was actively involved in several other sports. As a youth athlete, I started fencing as a little child, followed by practicing gymnastics, played handball, and participated in rifle shooting. These early experiences helped build a strong athletic foundation, which later complemented my transition into Modern Pentathlon.