UIPM SECRETARY GENERAL'S MESSAGE: REFLECTIONS ON VALIDATION, UNITY AND THE HISTORIC PATH FORWARD

With each passing day, we move forward with unwavering determination. Like any large family, our federation faces its share of internal challenges and differing opinions. While these can be testing, they also remind us of the passion everyone holds for the future of our sports.

Our focus, and indeed the focus of the whole Secretariat, remains steadfast. We will navigate these waters with integrity and to tirelessly work towards a unified goal — the prosperous and sustainable future of Pentathlon — and to maximise positive outcomes from the ongoing integration of Obstacle, as a discipline and a sport. 

Despite any noise, our progress is undeniable, and this period has been marked by extraordinary milestones that signal a powerful new chapter for our global community.

        1. Kaunas 2025: the ‘extraordinary’ Pentathlon improvement

The excitement for our flagship sport has never been higher than it was during the UIPM 2025 Pentathlon World Championships as we reflect on the whole 2025 season. The new format has already proved its ability to deliver thrilling and accessible action, and we are committed to raising the bar even further in terms of broadcast production and spectator excitement. Learn more in this video. 

The direction we are taking has received powerful, external validation. We were honoured to receive visits and strong compliments from four IOC Members after they witnessed the sport's profound transformation during the indoor World Championships in Kaunas, Lithuania.

This includes HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, who praised the “extraordinary improvement” and “dynamism” of Modern Pentathlon. This news was proudly shared with a press release that you can find on our website. Such high-level recognition from respected senior leaders of the Olympic movement is a testament to our collective hard work, and it confirms we are on the right trajectory.

        2. Historic step forward: integration of FISO

Adding to our momentum, I would like to share that on September 12, at its Congress in Sweden, the Federation of International Obstacle Sports (FISO) voted strongly in favour of being fully integrated into the UIPM family, following the memorandum of understanding signed in 2023. Their decision will be followed by a process of dissolution to be incorporated within the UIPM structure, which is a resounding endorsement of our vision and governance.

This formal unification is a historic step, creating a stronger, more diverse International Federation poised for growth, and strengthening our foundation for the future. 

       3. Decluttering the landscape: inaugural Obstacle World Championships

The unification directly addresses the current overlap in the Obstacle sports calendar, exemplified by the recent FISO World Championships in Sweden. We understand that this transition period, with multiple events, can cause confusion. However, the permanent integration coming in the near future will resolve the overlap.

This makes the first-ever UIPM Obstacle World Championships (OCR) in Beijing, China (October 21-26) a truly historic starting point. It represents the beginning of a unified future for the sport under the Olympic umbrella. Your support for this inaugural event is crucial as we demonstrate the sport’s potential to a global audience.

Onward, Together

The journey of transformation is ongoing. There will always be challenges to overcome, but the evidence of our progress is clear. From the glowing IOC feedback for Pentathlon and the unifying vote of the FISO Congress to the upcoming Obstacle World Championships in Beijing, we are not just talking about change — we are making it happen.

Thank you for your continued faith and support. Let us move forward together, focused on these historic opportunities and the bright future we are building for our athletes and our sports.