Historic Integration of Obstacle Racing Revolutionizes a Multisport Legacy.

Modern Pentathlon Prepares for Los Angeles with the Inception of the Obstacle Era in the Olympic program.

The 141st Session of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) resonated with an era of change, confirming Modern Pentathlon with the obstacle discipline in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. This monumental decision pays homage to the sport’s centennial presence, originally introduced by Baron Pierre de Coubertin in the Stockholm Games in 1912.

As Los Angeles, renowned for being the filming epicenter for ‘American Ninja Warrior’, prepares to host the Games, Modern Pentathlon unveil its newest discipline, a head-to-head sprint Obstacle race. Drawing inspiration from the universally acclaimed global TV phenomenon, Ninja Warrior, this inclusion exists alongside traditional disciplines of Fencing, Swimming, and Laser Run.

From the IOC’s official news, the strategic inclusion of Obstacle Racing, replacing equestrian in the Pentathlon format, was pivotal for the sport’s presence in LA28. The International Modern Pentathlon Union’s (UIPM) initiative to optimize and reduce operational intricacies was crucial. The IOC has emphasized the importance of UIPM’s continuous evolution in governance, underscoring the significance of the sport’s adaptation and inclusion of Obstacle Racing to remain integral to the Olympic domain.

With the inclusion of the new obstacle format, Modern Pentathlon is entering a new era with the potential to become one of the most exciting, accessible and popular sports in the Olympic movement.

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World Obstacle Insights:

World Obstacle founder and President Ian Adamson said: “Today marks an important step for obstacle racing on the international stage. World Obstacle takes immense pride in supporting this transformation, reflecting our unwavering commitment to fostering global inclusivity in the sport.”

“With Los Angeles 2028 on the horizon, the convergence of heritage and innovation is exciting. Our heartfelt gratitude extends to every athlete, partner, and advocate who championed to formation of obstacle sports, and integration with Modern Pentathlon. Our focus remains to provide representation for obstacle athletes worldwide, in all disciplines and at every level.”

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Journey to Integration:

4 November 2021: Discussions initiate on the recommendation of the IOC to identify a new 5^th discipline to replace horse riding in Modern Pentathlon.

2 May 2022: Obstacle Course Racing chosen from 60+ proposals to replace equestrian.

June – October 2022: Four test events usd to refine the obstacle discipline to fit the modern pentathlon format in Ankara TUR, Manila PHI, Lignano Sabbiadoro ITA, and Zielona Gora POL

12 November 2022: The 72nd UIPM Congress in Monaco witnesses an 83% majority supporting the Obstacle discipline’s integration.

July – September 2023: Obstacle Course Racing debuts across Pentathlon competitions worldwide, marking its presence in Alexandria, EGY Istanbul TUR, and Druskininkai LIT.

August 2022: Memorandum of understanding to integrate UIPM and FISO

16 October 2023: The IOC Session confirms Modern Pentathlon in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games with the new obstacle discipline.

*Both the Cover Image and footer image are from olympics.com news.