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Next stop Dakar? Final test for New Tetrathlon format completed in Weiden (GER)

UIPM News

Tests have been completed on the exciting New Tetrathlon competition format proposed for introduction at the 2022 Youth Olympic Games.

The last of four tests took place in Weiden (GER) on August 23-24, following previous events in Buenos Aires (ARG), Cairo (EGY) and Perpignan (FRA).

Forty-eight male and female athletes took part after travelling from their bases in Germany, Hungary, Czech Republic, Egypt, Switzerland, USA and Ukraine.

New Tetrathlon, which adds Fencing to the established development sport of Triathle (Shooting/Swimming/Running), aims to provide a more dynamic and exciting spectacle for athletes and spectators. It features a more compact field of play, a smoother flow and closer alignment with the development path of the UIPM Sports Pyramid.

UIPM’s goal is to use the new format for the 4th Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal in 2022 – the first Olympic Games to be held in Africa.

The proposed changes – which would replace the traditional Tetrathlon format of Swimming, Fencing and Laser Run – are also in line with strategic guidance from the International Olympic Committee to “continue to use the YOG as an incubator for innovation”.

A detailed report will now be considered by the UIPM Executive Board and members of the Athletes, Coaches, Medical and Technical Committees in Budapest (HUN) on September 4-5.

UIPM President Dr Klaus Schormann said: “The four tests we have undertaken with the New Tetrathlon presentation for the Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2022 have been a great success.

“Everything that we have done so far, including the questionnaires, shows that we are including the athletes and officials and coaches and asking them to help us evaluate what we can do better for the future presentation.

“We also want to reduce costs, create a more dramatic experience for spectators and send a message to the IOC about what we can do with our youths.

“It was a good idea to undertake these tests and now it’s time to review the progress we have made and prepare a good document to be presented to the Executive Board in Budapest.

“I am very happy that the national federations have been helping and assisting us, proving there is a willingness to look at what we can do better.

“I thank all the athletes who have been ready to take part in these tests, as well as all the staff and volunteers involved. It’s very important that we involve our grassroots community in this process.”

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