Pentathlon Personalities: legendary Laura Asadauskaite enters politics with love for sport fully intact

Every sport has its legends. They are heroes and icons whose impact on their game is often only fully realised once they’ve gone. 

That was never quite the case for Laura Asadauskaite, however. Such was her unceasing brilliance during a career which saw her compete at the elite end of Modern Pentathlon for well over two decades, it was impossible to ignore the Lithuanian wonder as she built her legacy in real time. 

The only female pentathlete to compete in five Olympic Games, she scaled her greatest height with gold at London 2012 before reaching the podium again with silver in Tokyo nine years later. Last summer amid the regal splendour of the Palace of Versailles she further underlined her position as Pentathlon royalty as she qualified for another Olympic final at the age of 40. 

An incredible all-round athlete, Asadauskaite was particularly deadly in the Laser Run where her combined run-shoot prowess was enough to still be putting fear into vaunted rivals who were almost half her age. In a wide-ranging interview with UIPM News before Paris 2024, the four-time European champion and 2013 world champion reflected on her enduring driving forces: “The only answer I find - it's simply love for sports. There's no other name for it, it's just love.”

Asadauskaite, whose teenage daughter Adriana has shown promise in sport – athletic genes come not only from her mother but also from her father, two-time Olympic medallist Andrejus Zadneprovskis – has now finally made the decision to channel that passion and energy into the next phase of her life. In September she announced a move into politics and, typically, victory wasn’t far away. In October’s parliamentary elections, Asadauskaite was successfully elected to Lithuania’s Seimas as a member of the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party. 

Confirming that “I no longer see myself in professional sports”, Asadauskaite took time out of her busy schedule to catch up again with UIPM News to reflect on calling an end to one of the most glittering careers in Modern Pentathlon history, getting to grips with political life, her goals in parliament and her hopes for the future of the sport she graced as a true legend.

As that sport enters a new era, it is apt that the UIPM 2025 Pentathlon World Championships will be taking place in Laura’s homeland of Lithuania.

I know this has been a very busy and life-changing few months for you. Can you tell us about your decision to retire: When did you make up your mind? 

The last few years have been very tough for me in sports. One injury after another made it very difficult to qualify for the Olympics, but despite various pains, I made it to the Olympic Games in Paris. 

In 2024, I didn’t compete in the European and World Championships due to an injury — I wanted to protect myself and prepare for the Olympics calmly. I realised how hard it is for me to be in my best athletic shape, and that’s when I understood that this would be my last competition at the Olympics and in my long career. 

Immediately after the Olympic Final in Paris you said you hoped to continue for a little while longer. Did you take time to reflect after Versailles and was it difficult for you to make the final decision? 

Let me tell you the truth – I was very tired of professional sports, and for the past year, I was training through sheer willpower without feeling much enjoyment. The decision to end my sport career came naturally.

Eight years ago, I said that I wanted to end my sports career after my fifth Olympics in Paris, which would be an incredible achievement for me – and to celebrate with a glass of champagne on the Eiffel Tower. My dream came true! I no longer see myself in professional sports. 

I realise it is only a few months since you retired but even now, as you look back, what are you most proud of across your entire Modern Pentathlon career? 

I’ve dedicated many years to Modern Pentathlon, almost my entire life! I’m proud of myself for becoming an Olympic champion, a multiple-time European and World champion, and for participating in five Olympic Games. The sport of pentathlon has changed, and it no longer has the same essence. The horse is no longer part of it. That's what I'll miss the most.

You have moved into politics in a full-time way now. Tell us about that? 

Now, I am a member of the Seimas! I work in the Committee on Social and Labor Affairs and I am the chairperson of the Commission on Youth and Sports. 

For a long time, politics surrounded me, and the people I interacted with were also connected to politics. Many people had been telling me to give it a try. I’ve always fought for the truth and a bright future for sports in Lithuania, and I wasn’t afraid to speak out about what’s wrong in sports.

I am a member of the Athletes' Commission of the European and Lithuanian Olympic Committees. I’m also the president of the Lithuanian Athletes' Association. This is why I am actively involved in shaping Lithuania's sports policy.

What motivated you to enter into national politics at this moment? 

In Lithuania, there are many disagreements between sports institutions, as well as a strong desire to reform the shortcomings of the sports system, especially the funding criteria.

We have elected a new Minister of Sports of Lithuania and their deputy, who will play a crucial role in addressing the most important issues related to sports. I am trying to get into the work, although it is not easy since I am new to politics. I believe that, step by step, I will be able to do my best for our sports.

Do you think your experiences in elite sport have helped or can help you in politics? 

I have been in professional sports for more than 20 years, so I have faced many challenges within it. My extensive experience has given me a deep understanding of what is happening in sports and where the fundamental issues lie. That’s why I believe that, by gaining more political experience, I will be able to elevate our sports to a higher level.

Pentathlon is obviously evolving with a new Obstacle discipline now as the sport prepares for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. What is your hope for Pentathlon and your fellow athletes in the future? 

I’m looking forward to the start of Modern Pentathlon competitions with the new discipline. I believe this discipline will suit young athletes the most because I’ve seen how quickly they grasp its fundamental elements. That’s why I think, in the future, it will be engaging for spectators and will contribute to the overall popularity of our sport—which is exactly what I wish for.

Interview by Joe Callaghan; Translation by Alexandra Sumina