A time of transition: reflections and aspirations for Modern Pentathlon, by UIPM Honorary President Dr Klaus Schormann

Dear Members of the Modern Pentathlon Family,

The recent UIPM Congress in Riyadh marked a historic turning point for our multisport organisation. It was a profound honour to witness this moment of renewal, where new leadership stepped forward to guide us into an exciting new era.

Having served as UIPM President for 31 years, and as Vice President for Marketing & Public Relations of UIPMB before that, this transition is both a personal milestone and an opportunity for reflection.

A legacy built together

Over the past three decades, Modern Pentathlon has undergone tremendous transformation. Guided by the principle of embracing change to safeguard our future, we introduced groundbreaking innovations that have redefined the sport.

From the adoption of the one-day competition format in 1993, to combined shooting and running from 2009, to the introduction of laser shooting in 2010, and the more recent inclusion of Obstacle discipline, we have demonstrated our collective commitment to progress and relevance.

Our shared journey has not only modernised Modern Pentathlon but also preserved its Olympic legacy.

The historic decision of the IOC in 1998 to integrate women into Olympic Modern Pentathlon at Sydney 2000 Olympic Games reflected our commitment to gender equality, a value that remains a cornerstone of our sport.

Witnessing gender parity at the Paris 2024 Games was a proud moment, symbolising decades of dedication to inclusion and opportunity.

UIPM Honorary President Dr Klaus Schormann speaks during the Opening Ceremony of the UIPM 2024 Tetrathlon U15 World Championships in Guatemala City (GUA)

Gratitude and personal reflections

As I step into the role of Honorary President, I am deeply grateful for the privilege of serving UIPM and our global community. Leading this organisation has been the honour of my lifetime, and I owe immense thanks to the athletes, officials, National Federations, employees and supporters who have made our successes possible.

Having grown the community from 63 NFs in 1993 to 137 in 2024, I am proud that we faced challenges together and celebrated triumphs, all while upholding the values of excellence, respect and camaraderie.

This transition is both emotional and exciting. The past 31 years have been a journey filled with incredible moments — moments that will forever be etched in my memory.

These years have been marked by unforgettable moments, including the five critical discussions I had with the IOC to secure Modern Pentathlon’s place on the Olympic Programme. Successfully achieving this ensured a solid financial foundation for UIPM and its NFs, supported by sponsorship contracts I signed through 2028.

Yet, I look ahead with optimism, knowing that UIPM’s future is in capable hands. Our sport’s evolution is a testament to the shared vision and dedication of our community, and I am proud to remain part of this story.

Left to right: UIPM President Rob Stull OLY, Guatemala NOC President Gerardo Rene Aguirre Oestmann, UIPM Honorary President Dr Klaus Schormann

Looking ahead

The Congress was not only a celebration of our past achievements but also a platform to chart a course for the future. The new Executive Board is poised to bring fresh perspectives and ideas, and I have full confidence in their ability to steer UIPM into a new chapter of growth and innovation.

As Honorary President, I will continue to support our sport and share my experience to strengthen the foundations we have built together.

With Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032 on the horizon, the future of Modern Pentathlon is brighter than ever. These Games promise to showcase the dynamic and accessible nature of our evolving sport.

The inclusion of Obstacle is already capturing the imagination of athletes and fans alike, and I look forward to seeing it inspire the next generation of competitors, as it is now accessible for all our NFs.

A final word of thanks

To all of you — our Modern Pentathlon family — thank you for your trust, passion and support and for your unwavering belief in the power of sport to change lives. The past 31 years have been a privilege beyond words, and I am excited to see what the future holds for UIPM and our remarkable athletes to take care of the heritage of our founder, Baron Pierre de Coubertin.

With warm regards and deep gratitude,

Dr Klaus Schormann

Honorary President, UIPM

Main picture: Planting a tree at the venue of the UIPM 2024 Tetrathlon U15 World Championships, left to right: Willi Kaltschmitt (IOC Honorary Member), Dr Klaus Schormann (UIPM Honorary President); Rob Stull OLY (UIPM President); Gerardo Rene Aguirre Oestmann (NOC President Guatemala); Magdalena Quintanilla (NORCECA Modern Pentathlon Confederation President)