Tribute to Gyula Bretz (1940-2026)

The Pentathlon world is in mourning after learning of the passing of Gyula Bretz.

Gyula, who celebrated his 86th birthday on February 8, was a revered figure in the UIPM Sports movement whose decades of service helped shape the sport nationally and internationally.

Gyula devoted more than 70 years of his life to Modern Pentathlon as an athlete, administrator, leader and mentor. A member of the Hungarian national team between 1961 and 1965, he competed at national and international level and earned numerous domestic titles before embarking on a distinguished career in sports governance.

His contribution to UIPM was profound. Gyula served as UIPM Honorary Auditor from 1992 to 2000 before becoming Treasurer from 2000 to 2012, helping guide the organisation through an era of significant transformation.

During his tenure, he played an important role in preparations for three Olympic Games – Athens 2004, Beijing 2008 and London 2012 – and oversaw the introduction of laser shooting and its combination with running, one of the most significant innovations in Pentathlon history. It was fitting that, under his Presidency of the Hungarian Modern Pentathlon Federation in 2019, the UIPM Pentathlon and Laser Run World Championships were combined for the first time, in Budapest.

In recognition of his lifelong contribution to the sport, having been named an Honorary Member of UIPM, Gyula was inducted into the UIPM Hall of Fame in 2023. His career reflected an enduring commitment to excellence, leadership and the values of Modern Pentathlon.

UIPM President Rob Stull led the tributes, saying: “The Pentathlon community is saddened to learn of the passing of longtime UIPM Executive Board Member and Treasurer, colleague and dear friend, Gyula Bretz.

“Gyula dedicated his life to achieving excellence in everything he did. As a husband, father, grandfather, businessman, athlete, coach, executive, mentor and supporter, he excelled at all. As a recipient of the highest awards of the UIPM, Gyula was one of the pillars of our sport and community and was representative of what it means to be a Pentathlete. He shall be sorely missed.

“The UIPM extends our gratitude and sincere condolences to his family at this difficult time.”

Outside sport, Gyula enjoyed a distinguished professional career in engineering and construction, spending almost six decades with UVATERV, one of Hungary’s leading construction companies, retiring in 2022 as President General Manager. He also served for many years in leadership roles within the Technical University Sports Club in Budapest and remained a Life Member of the institution.

Gyula Bretz is survived by his wife, two sons and seven grandchildren.