UIPM 2026 Obstacle World Championships: 400m medallist reaction

Women’s 400m gold: Anna Sedova (RUS)

How does it feel to be world champion?

“I am very happy, although I am also very tired.”

You built such a strong lead and continued pushing. Did you ever consider slowing down?

“At the start of the race, I tried to run as hard as possible and produce my maximum performance. I was racing for myself and concentrating on what I could achieve.”

“I understood that I had a very good chance of winning, so I wanted to keep pushing all the way to the finish.”

How do you assess your chances in the 100m?

“My chances in the 100m are probably lower because there will be athletes competing who did not take part in the 400m.”

“However, I will do everything I can and give my very best.”

Do you have a message for everyone supporting you at home?

“I would like to say a very big thank you to my coaches, my family and everyone who has supported me. Thank you to you all.”

Women’s 400m silver: Farida Khalil (EGY)

How does it feel to finish second in the World Championships?

“Of course, winning a gold medal would feel even better, but this was a completely new experience for me and I am extremely happy to have finished in second place.

“I came here to challenge myself and try something different in Obstacle Racing. Today I competed over 400m, which combines running with obstacles and presented a new kind of challenge for me.

“It was a very enjoyable experience and I am delighted to have won the silver medal. This result has encouraged me to keep moving forward and shown me that I am on the right path.

“I am also very happy to be competing in a setting like this and to have had the opportunity to experience such an exciting event.”

How does competing in one event compare with the five challenges of Pentathlon?

“Pentathlon is more difficult because you have to perform across five different challenges and, in each one, you usually have only one opportunity to produce your best performance.

“In Obstacle Racing, there are different stages, including qualification, the semi-finals and the final. This means you may have three or four opportunities within the same event. The principle is similar, but each round gives you another chance to improve.

“For me, that is a very valuable opportunity. I can learn from every race, improve my performance and gain more experience in this environment.”

What comes next after these World Championships?

“Once this week is over, I will begin focusing on the international fencing season. We have had a full month of competitions, but now I will turn my attention towards preparing for the fencing events ahead.

“It will be a long season, with cadet, junior and senior competitions. I want to continue developing, pursue my ambitions in fencing and hopefully take another positive step by winning a gold medal.”

Women’s 400m bronze: Junling Chen (CHN)

This is the first time that an athlete from China’s Elite category has won a medal at the Obstacle World Championships. How do you feel?

“I am extremely excited. I was already feeling very excited before the competition, but I told myself that this emotion could also become a valuable opportunity.

“I do not often experience this kind of nervous excitement, so I tried to use it positively. It encouraged me to move forward and perform at my best.

“I really enjoyed the competition and feel very honoured to have won this medal.”

Do you have a message for your coaches, family, friends and everyone who supported you?

“I would like to thank my country, my coaches and the Chinese Modern Pentathlon Association, as well as every person who has supported me.

“I am deeply grateful to everyone who helped me achieve this result.”