UIPM Athletes Committee Chair joins global dialogue at International Athletes’ Forum in Lausanne (SUI)
Sam Curry, newly elected Chair of the UIPM Athletes Committee, led a UIPM delegation to the Olympic Movement’s flagship event for athlete representation by taking part in the 12th International Athletes’ Forum (IAF).
The IAF, hosted by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in Lausanne (SUI), was held from June 11-12 and united more than 400 athlete representatives from around the world.
Sam Curry, accompanied by UIPM Education and Project Manager Anfisa Kasyanova, had the chance to connect and have meaningful exchanges with distinguished individuals such as the new IOC President, Kirsty Coventry OLY, and her predecessor Dr Thomas Bach OLY.
He extended congratulations to President Bach for his impactful tenure and shared well wishes with Coventry ahead of her presidency, which began on 25 June, encouraging continued support for Modern Pentathlon's evolution.
The IAF also was attended by one of Curry’s distinguished predecessors – Aya Medany OLY, IOC Member and UIPM Innovation Commission Advisor, representing the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) Athletes’ Commission. Also in attendance was Paris 2024 Olympic Pentathlon champion Ahmed Elgendy OLY, Chair of the Egyptian NOC Athletes’ Commission.
As a first-time IAF participant in his new role, the UIPM AC Chair embraced the opportunity to raise awareness about Modern Pentathlon’s recent innovations. He highlighted the rising engagement of young athletes in the new Obstacle discipline during discussions with IOC Athletes’ Commission Chair Emma Terho and other peers.
“It was a privilege to represent UIPM and our athlete community at such a pivotal moment for athlete advocacy,” said Sam Curry. “The Forum reinforced the importance of collaboration and innovation, and I was proud to share how Modern Pentathlon is embracing both — especially through the Obstacle discipline, which is igniting real excitement among youth athletes.”
Both Curry and Kasyanova took part in dedicated workshops on topics vital to athletes’ well-being and career development. Sessions included:
- Mental health and well-being
- Prevention of competition manipulation – a topic close to Sam Curry as he also serves as a global Ambassador for this cause
- Athletes’ rights and responsibilities under the IOC Athletes’ Declaration
- Effective use of social media for Athletes’ Commissions
Sam Curry also participated in peer exchange sessions with athlete representatives from other International Federations (IFs), exploring best practices in supporting athletes’ everyday needs and advocacy.
As a certified Athlete365 Career+ Educator, Kasyanova connected with fellow educators and IOC program coordinators to align and share plans for UIPM’s upcoming educational initiatives. She provided insights into the Federation’s continued efforts to empower athletes beyond sport, reinforcing UIPM’s leading role among IFs in delivering Athlete365 Career+ workshops.
“The Forum showed clearly how the Olympic Movement is uniting around a more holistic vision for athlete development,” said Kasyanova. “It was encouraging to see so many IFs stepping up, and I’m proud that UIPM is among those pioneering this progress.”
UIPM’s participation in the IAF 2025 reaffirmed its commitment to championing athlete voices and strengthening the athlete support network within the Modern Pentathlon community. As the global landscape evolves, UIPM continues to build pathways for athletes to thrive both in and out of competition.
