This March, we welcome two new members to the World Obstacle family: MORSA, the Malaysia Obstacle Race Sport Association and NZOSA, the New Zealand Obstacle Sports Association. World Obstacle has now affiliated members, federations and national associations in over 100 countries representing more than 50 000 athletes worldwide.

Despite being new entrants, these two countries have built up a consistent reputation in obstacle racing over the years. MORSA was one of the first obstacle race sports associations in the world, established in February 2015. At the South East Asia Games in 2019, Malaysia took home three silver and a bronze in the OCR event, finishing second in the medal table, after the host Philippine Team.

The New Zealand Association, although newly created, benefits from the country’s legacy in the organisation of Adventure Race events, a story that goes far beyond the extraordinary performance of its athletes. It is also a showcase of entrepreneurship and women’s inclusion in the sport.

The modern era of Adventure Racing started in New Zealand in 1989, with the Raid Gauloises (French Race, 1989-2006). Its creator, Gérard Fusil, took the existing concept of long-distance endurance races, and focused on the team aspects, requiring each competitor to be part of a five-person mixed gender team. The kiwis have consistently been at the top of obstacle sports ever since.

The New Zealand Association was officially launched on the 31st of March with the aim to continue promoting obstacle sports, including OCR, Ninja and Adventure Racing throughout New Zealand. Visit their website to find more: https://www.nzosa.org/

The World Obstacle has now housed two more members to assist us in the mission to keep growing obstacle sports and to represent the athletes. Finally, a reminder that all members complying with FISO statutes have the opportunity to be fully recognised.