UIPM Secretary General’s Message: My tribute to our unsung heroes

The Olympic Games are now firmly in our thoughts but I want to pay tribute to all the UIPM delegates, officials, local organisers and the UIPM staff team who made it possible for our wonderful athletes to fulfil their dreams of competing in Tokyo.

Trust me, it is no small achievement to have staged five Olympic qualification competitions in 2021 and, not only that, to have staged successful events!

We still remember all of those event cancellations in 2020 on a weekly basis because of the pandemic, and the discussions we had about updating the Olympic qualification system feels just like it was yesterday, although it was in January 2021.

Despite tons of uncertainties, contingency plans, COVID-19 infection control measures and implementations, we always had faith that the Olympic qualification events had to happen, and we had to provide the pathway to Tokyo for our athletes.

The first UIPM 2021 Pentathlon World Cup was completed, the second and third World Cups were completed, the new format test event was completed, the World Cup Final was completed, and then the last qualification event – the UIPM 2021 Pentathlon and Laser Run World Championships – was finally completed with big success…

But what is behind all these successes?

• Guts, courage, passion and the incredible responsibilities borne by our organizers;
• The love, faith, duty, reliability and patience of our UIPM delegates and technical officials;
• The unbeatable backbone, ability and tireless work of the UIPM staff team.

We are very fortunate that all the implementations and arrangements benefited from the unconditional trust and belief of the UIPM Executive Board and all relevant leaderships, including our National Federations.

This is a community of people who back each other, and support each other – I am proud to be part of it!

After all the accomplishments of the Olympic qualification events, this community will certainly expect great success in Tokyo at the Olympic Games, while aiming higher for the future with new challenges.

Hand in hand, we achieve more – watch us!