UIPM / World Obstacle joint statement

The UIPM Obstacle Task Force met in Beijing (CHN) at the conclusion of the UIPM 2025 Obstacle World Championships (OCR).

Members of the Task Force agreed that it was a highly successful first edition, with particular strengths in the production and delivery of the 100m and 400m event formats. Discussions focused on ways to further enhance the Championships, with consideration given to future additions such as longer courses, younger age groups and Ninja competitions.

Progressive discussions about the integration of FISO (World Obstacle) within UIPM continued with both organisations committed to concluding this process for the mutual benefit of all member federations and their communities.

The Task Force agreed that the 2026 OCR World Championships in Limerick (IRL) will serve as the final competition overseen by World Obstacle.

This agreement reflects the shared direction established at the 2025 World Obstacle Congress in Sweden where Obstacle National Federations approved the principles for integration within UIPM.

Meetings in Beijing reinforced this progress, resulting in renewed confidence that a World Obstacle Congress can be convened in early 2026 for National Federations to vote on the dissolution of World Obstacle, marking a significant milestone in the unification of the sport under UIPM, the sole governing body of Obstacle sport within the Olympic movement.

An expanded UIPM Obstacle Task Force, including additional representatives from the obstacle community, will continue to lead this integration process.

For any questions or to share feedback, please contact your regional representative within the Obstacle Task Force or contact UIPM directly.

Africa

Frans van Nieckert (RSA) – President of integrated South Africa Modern Pentathlon Association; business owner and former pentathlete

Americas

Bob Clark (USA) – CEO of UNAA, a driving force in Ninja sport worldwide

Ian Adamson (USA/AUS) – President of World Obstacle, USA Pentathlon executive board member, 3x Games medalist and former professional multisport athlete, BS Engineering, MS Sports Medicine, legal forensic expert

Rodolfo Villalobos (CRC) – President of OCR Costa Rica; organiser of UIPM World Obstacle 2024 OCR World Championships

Asia

Al Agra (PHI) – President of Obstacle Sports Federation Asia Pacific and Pilipinas Obstacle Sports Federation; law professor 

Cassandra Choh (SGP) – President of Singapore Modern Pentathlon Association; Vice President of Asian Modern Pentathlon Confederation; fitness business owner

Europe

James Burton (GBR) - British Obstacle Sports President, Pentathlon GB Board Member, and active OCR athlete

Marco Tomasini (MLT) – CEO of International Dart Federation; Secretary General of Malta Modern Pentathlon Association; President of Malta Sport For All; insurance and governance specialist

Nayibe Statia (NED) – OCR Chair of World Obstacle Officials Committee; neuroscientist and psychologist

Oceania

Andrew Collings (NZL) – President of the Oceania Modern Pentathlon Confederation and Secretary General of Modern Pentathlon New Zealand; Para sport expert; international social impact consultant