Elite pentathletes join UIPM senior leaders for conference call

MONACO: November 12, 2021 – The world’s leading pentathletes took part in a conference call with UIPM leaders today, learning more about the background behind the UIPM Executive Board (EB) decision announced on November 4 and exchanging views.

Current and incoming members of the UIPM Athletes Committee as well as peers from across the world were briefed by UIPM President Dr Klaus Schormann, Vice Presidents Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr and Joel Bouzou, Secretary General Shiny Fang and Innovation Commission Chair Ivar Sisniega.

A Q&A session enabled the athletes to air their views and discover more about the context and timeline of the decision to replace Riding in Modern Pentathlon after the Paris 2024 Olympic Games – and the criteria for the discipline that will replace it.

During the call, which lasted two-and-a-half hours, some athletes expressed concerns and others praised the decision, recognising the need for change.

Vice President Samaranch shared his clear vision for the future of our sport in light of the current evolution of the Olympic movement and spoke about the necessity for a change, while Vice President Bouzou and former Vice President Sisniega expressed the concrete reasons for this change and their passion for maintaining Modern Pentathlon’s reputation as the ultimate sporting test. They also underlined the benefits and opportunities presented by the transition.

President Schormann said: “Today during the conference call with Modern Pentathlon athletes we heard a wide cross-section of opinions and I am pleased to say that a free discussion took place.

“We stand at a vital moment in the history of Modern Pentathlon and our global community is now engaged in the consultation process. I know they will contribute to the discussions with intelligence, open minds and passion.

“UIPM is committed to delivering on the principles of Olympic Agenda 2020+5, and will ensure Modern Pentathlon becomes widely accessible, attractive and sustainable.

Today’s conference followed the first meeting of members of the UIPM Athletes, Coaches and Technical Committees that kickstarted the consultation process on November 11. Next steps will include the formation of a fully representative 5th Discipline Working Group.