International Women’s Day 2025: UIPM highlights female athlete and leader role models

• Special celebration as Modern Pentathlon approaches 25 years of athlete gender equality
• Members of growing quota of UIPM female leaders reveal personal motivations
• Secretary General Shiny Fang salutes ‘incredible contributions’ to ‘vital’ mission

UIPM has launched a special celebration of female role models within the Modern Pentathlon movement ahead of International Women’s Day 2025 (March 8).

Having been a male-only sport at the Olympic Games from 1912 to 1996, Modern Pentathlon has enjoyed 50-50 gender neutrality at all levels ever since the introduction of a women’s Olympic event at Sydney 2000.

Work is continuing to reflect this balance in leadership roles, with six women from four continents now sitting on the UIPM Executive Board – including UIPM’s first two female Vice Presidents – and three women chairing UIPM Commissions. 

Aligning with the International Olympic Committee’s #SportForAllWomenAndGirls campaign, UIPM’s social media output will centre around a video about Elodie Clouvel of France, whose incredible sporting journey from despair to delirium in 2024 culminated in a silver medal at her home Olympics in Paris (FRA).

Another current pentathlete, Elzbieta Adomaityte of Lithuania, said in a video to be published on UIPM channels: “I will definitely say it’s not an easy path, it’s a hard path, but just being able to commit to it, do sport and persevere through all the hardships, is very empowering and gives a lot of energy. Being a woman athlete is not an easy way. Your day will come if you believe in yourself.” 

Meanwhile, spearheading a series of individual Q&A articles in UIPM News, Aya Medany OLY gave a special interview alongside several current elected UIPM leaders.

Vice President Kitty Chiller AM OLY from Australia and Vice President Ana Irene Delgado from Panama revealed their personal motivations and determination to inspire women and girls to follow in their footsteps.

Their statements were backed up by EB Member for Media Dr Leila Gyenesei OLY of Hungary, European Confederation President Tatiana Ardabyeva of Russia and NORCECA Confederation President Magdalena Quintanilla, along with the new Chair of the UIPM Para Pentathlon Commission, Dr Nicola Robinson of Great Britain.

Here are some excerpts from the individuals Q&As:

• “There is a saying that ‘you cannot be what you cannot see’. I believe it is essential that women are represented in leadership positions. Only then will we have an informed environment that encourages equality of access for all.” – Kitty Chiller (AUS)
• “Too often, women have faced barriers to participation, but breaking these down allows us to pursue our dreams freely. We can create strong role models who inspire future generations and drive social change.” – Ana Irene Delgado (PAN)
• “We must continue on the path towards cultural equality, ensuring everyone has equal opportunities to pursue a sports career and maintain their professional journey, even as mothers.” – Dr Leila Gyenesei (HUN)
• “I am very motivated to encourage capable, active, interested people the pathways in these fields by my example, especially if they are former athletes, convincing them about the important role of women in the sport movement.” – Tatiana Ardabyeva (RUS)
• “As a Modern Pentathlon coach and Para Pentathlon activist, my role isn’t just about coaching athletes, but also about inspiring and empowering the next generation of women to see themselves in leadership positions.” – Dr Nicola Robinson (GBR)

The UIPM Women’s Commission, established in 2022, is currently chaired by Anna Bajan of Poland and comprises two Olympic medallists – Tokyo 2020 champion Kate French (GBR) and London 2012 bronze medallist Yane Marques of Brazil – as well as Mona Alsabeg of Saudi Arabia and Cristina Vasilianov of Moldova.

UIPM Secretary General, Shiny Fang of China, who has led the administration of the International Federation since 2012, commented: “On International Women's Day 2025, we celebrate all the incredible contributions of women who continue to shape the world. While we believe that the value and importance of women should be a source of celebration 365 days a year, we take this moment to honour the remarkable women in UIPM who lead with passion, resilience and vision. 

“The sport of Modern Pentathlon has been fully gender equal for almost 25 years, since the Olympic Games belatedly introduced a women's event at Sydney 2000. But it is vital that the rest of our movement – all working together to create better opportunities for athletes – also reflects gender parity.  

“To our record number of female Executive Board members, Commission Chairs and numerous Committee Members, thank you for your tireless efforts, your leadership, and for standing as role models for women, proving that excellence exists regardless of gender. 

“Let’s work towards a future where every day is an opportunity to celebrate equality, respect and the unique strengths that each individual brings to the world.”