Modern Pentathlon Obstacle Discipline for LA 2028

May 5, 2022

Obstacle selected for testing as a discipline in Modern Pentathlon

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY: May 2, 2022 /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – Two obstacle sport disciplines have been selected for testing to replace riding in Modern Pentathlon.

Modern Pentathlon was introduced at the 1912 Olympic Games by the founder of the Modern Olympic Games, Pierre de Coubertin to identify the best all-around athlete.

The New 5th Discipline Working Group set up by the International Modern Pentathlon Union (UIPM) rigorously followed the 13 established criteria in selecting obstacle sports after a presentation by Ian Adamson, president of World Obstacle (FISO).

The selection came from a list of 62 proposals and considered athletes’ views, medical, technical, TV, media, and marketing opportunities. The working group took into account IOC requirements for the sporting programme of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, introducing a new discipline to Modern Pentathlon that presents substantial reductions in cost and complexity and improves safety, accessibility, universality, and appeal for youth.

The obstacle discipline was selected for testing for reasons that included:

• compatible with the DNA of Modern Pentathlon, which examines the complete athlete as created by Pierre de Coubertin
• reduction in cost and complexity
• universal participation with great accessibility around the world
• popularity among all age groups especially youth
• dynamic and attractive to global audiences
• simple and safe infrastructure for training and sustainable for organisers worldwide

The introduction of a new discipline to Modern Pentathlon after Paris 2024 would present many opportunities for obstacle sports athletes, with two formats set to be evaluated with a chance of becoming a permanent feature of the sport on the Olympic programme.

The first test will take place following the UIPM 2022 Pentathlon World Cup Final in Ankara, Turkey in late June, giving the best pentathletes in the world a chance to compete for the first time together with obstacle athletes. The second format will be tested in the following months with a location to be announced before the end of May.

FISO President Ian Adamson said: “We are thrilled to be collaborating with UIPM on the new 5^th discipline. Obstacles have a long history in Pentathlon, including the modern and Ancient Olympic Games, and introducing obstacle disciplines that are watched and practiced by hundreds of millions of people in over 140 countries presents many opportunities for athletes, spectators, and the global sports audience.”

World Obstacle will solicit input from obstacle athletes and stakeholders to ensure the format satisfies expectations of obstacle sports and Pentathlon communities worldwide.