UIPM announces the creation of its first Obstacle Task Force

SportsIn

June 3, 2025

The Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne (UIPM) has announced the composition of its first Obstacle Task Force (OTF), a 10-member group that will guide the integration of Pentathlon and Obstacle communities worldwide.

UIPM President Rob Stull OLY will lead this initiative, which aims to support National Federations in the unification process between UIPM-recognized governing bodies and obstacle racing entities. While significant progress has already been made, such as the recent integration in Italy, UIPM acknowledges that challenges vary by region.

Global representation in the Obstacle Task Force

The OTF includes pan-continental representation, with three members from the Americas, three from Europe, two from Asia, and one each from Africa and Oceania. This approach ensures that the needs and specificities of each region are effectively addressed.

Africa

Frans van Nieckert (South Africa): President of the South Africa Modern Pentathlon Association; business owner and former pentathlete.

Americas

Rodolfo Villalobos (Costa Rica): President of OCR Costa Rica; organizer of the UIPM 2024 OCR World Championships.
Ian Adamson (USA): President of World Obstacle; former professional obstacle racer.
Bob Clark (USA): CEO of UNAA, a key figure in the global Ninja sport community.

Asia

Cassandra Choh (Singapore): President of the Singapore Modern Pentathlon Association; Vice President of the Asian Modern Pentathlon Confederation; fitness business owner.
Al Agra (Philippines): President of the Asia Pacific Obstacle Sports Federation and the Pilipinas Obstacle Sports Federation; lawyer.

Europe

Marco Tomasini (Malta): CEO of the International Dart Federation; Secretary General of the Malta Modern Pentathlon Association; insurance and governance specialist.
Nayibe Statia (Netherlands): Chair of the OCR Officials Committee at World Obstacle; neuroscientist and psychologist.
Marlena Jawaid OLY (Sweden): Secretary General of the Swedish Modern Pentathlon Federation; active pentathlete.

Oceania

Andrew Collings (New Zealand): President of the Oceania Modern Pentathlon Confederation and Secretary General of Modern Pentathlon New Zealand; Para sport expert; international social impact consultant.

Next steps for the Obstacle Task Force

The OTF will begin its work with an online meeting in the coming weeks, with an in-person meeting planned in Beijing (China) during the inaugural UIPM Obstacle World Championships in October 2025.

“We are thrilled to have such a diverse and experienced group for this new phase,” said Rob Stull, UIPM President. “Each member brings not only technical expertise but also a deep connection to their local communities. This will be key to overcoming the challenges we face in integrating existing organizations.”

Stull also highlighted the benefits already visible on the field: “The integration of athlete communities has been incredibly positive. Now it’s time for administrators to step up and work together to seize the opportunities ahead of us.”