Moustaches, memories and pride: Global community celebrates Pierre De Coubertin Pentathlon Day

 

• Pentathlon Challenge quiz tests knowledge of history and rules across generations
• Athletes and fans share fun videos proclaiming: ‘I Am Coubertin’ in tribute to founder
• Social media activation backed up by national celebrations in countries such as Iraq

 

The global Pentathlon community came together in September 2025 for the biggest-ever celebration of the sport’s heritage and founder.

The 8th UIPM Pierre de Coubertin Pentathlon Day took place soon after the UIPM 2025 Pentathlon World Championships in Kaunas (LTU) – reflecting the fusion of dynamic sport and entertainment that made this year’s flagship competition go down in history.

This year’s Pentathlon Day (9 September) celebrations comprised three pillars:

 

Pentathlon Day Challenge

A quiz was launched on UIPM’s educational platform, enabling community members of all ages to test their knowledge on the history, rules and other aspects of the sport that Baron Pierre de Coubertin introduced to the Olympic Games in 1912 in search of ‘the complete athlete’.

Participants came from 25 countries across five continents, with the eight highest scorers winning an exclusive set of Paris 2024 Olympic Games pin badges. Leading U19 athletes Charlotte Keister of Germany and Alexandra Fernandes of Czechia were among the participants.

#PentathlonDay on social media

‘Wear your moustache with pride’ was the message that emanated from UIPM’s social media platforms – and athletes and fans all over the world did just that, posting videos of themselves wearing replicas of Coubertin’s iconic moustache.

With memes such as ‘I am Coubertin’ going viral, the fun spread quickly during the week of Pentathlon Day, with a spirit of camaraderie encapsulated by a new generation of athletes enjoying being part of a global sports movement with a glorious past and exciting future. Quadruple world champion Farida Khalil of Egypt and 2025 double age-group world champion Nemere Szecsi of Hungary were among those who joined the fun.

National activations

In-person celebrations were arranged by numerous UIPM National Federations, with a special mention to the Iraqi Modern Pentathlon Federation, who staged a mass participation event in Baghdad (IRQ) with tributes paid to Coubertin and demonstrations of Laser Run and Fencing for young athletes, followed by a competition involving athletes from multiple clubs.

Participant reaction

Pentathlon Day Challenge winner Anna Sara Szilagyi (HUN), an events and competitions organiser at the Hungarian Modern Pentathlon Association, said: “What I truly love about this sport is the kindness, attentiveness, passion and dedication of the athletes, coaches and UIPM staff.

“For me, Pentathlon Day symbolises this sense of belonging and friendship. The quiz was also a fantastic initiative – thorough, fun, and engaging. Thank you for letting me be part of this wonderful world.”

Fellow competition winner, coach Simone Cavicchioli (ITA), added: “Social media is the tool young people use today to communicate. The moustache campaign was hilarious, with many athletes featuring themselves in hilarious situations. The proposed quiz was quite challenging and I believe that through this type of initiative one can transmit knowledge and culture.”

Anne Seow (SGP) said: “As a parent, I enjoyed the Pentathlon Day activities – Wear Your Moustache with Pride and The Pentathlon Challenge. They were such fun, creative and light-hearted ways to celebrate the spirit of our sport.

“It was also a bonding moment for myself and my pentathlete-child and served as a reminder of how sport can bring families closer together. Thanks to UIPM for bringing pentathletes, parents and the community together through activities like these.”

Zeyah Saleem, President of the Iraqi Modern Pentathlon Federation said: “Through its celebration on September 9, our Federation reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing young talents, with a strong focus on Laser Run and Fencing as key disciplines for building a new generation of champions capable of representing Iraq on the regional and global stage.”

Official reaction

Rob Stull OLY, UIPM President, said: “Coubertin gave us everything, as Thomas Bach said in his final speech as IOC President. He was referring to the wider Olympic movement, but it’s absolutely true for us in the Pentathlon community – we are direct beneficiaries of that legacy. In everything we do, we strive to maintain and preserve our heritage as we continue to innovate and modernise the sport.”

Alexandra de Navacelle de Coubertin, Chair of the UIPM Pierre de Coubertin Commission, said: “Pierre de Coubertin imagined Modern Pentathlon as the ultimate test of versatility, courage and spirit. Seeing today’s community celebrate his legacy — from young athletes in Baghdad to families bonding over the Pentathlon Challenge and fans proudly wearing his moustache — reminds us that his vision continues to unite us across generations and continents.”

2025 Pentathlon Challenge Winners

Anna Sara Szilagyi (HUN) 270 pts

Luca Anna Nagy (HUN) 260 pts

Simone Cavicchioli (ITA) 250 pts

Matias Ocampos Figuera (URU) 250 pts

Sandra Liutkė (LTU) 250 pts

Gints Baķis (LAT) 250 pts

Dainius Liutkus (LTU) 240 pts

Anne Seow (SGP) 240 pts