UIPM 2026 Biathle-Triathle-Laser Run World Championships: Gold flows in Funchal (POR)

The gold flowed early and often on a blissful Tuesday as the first Individual Finals at the UIPM 2026 Biathle-Triathle-Laser Run World Championships underlined the truly global outlook of the competition.

With just a light wind to go with the sun in the harbour of Funchal, the capital of stunning Madeira (POR), well over 20 new world champions of Biathle were crowned. In a week when almost a thousand athletes have gathered on the Atlantic island, there was a fitting spread of riches. 

A total of 10 different nations representing four continents could lay claim to gold by the end of Tuesday’s fun and frenetic events. While the traditional powerhouses of UIPM development sports Great Britain and South Africa unsurprisingly led the way — securing five golds apiece — there were also champions crowned from Kazakhstan, Mexico, Ireland and the United States. 

The first Senior title of the week went the way of Emma Madden (USA), the student at Oxford University storming home much to her own delight — and surprise: “I’ve come from Modern Pentathlon, I started maybe 11 months ago. I had joined my team at university — Oxford Pentathlon. I’m originally a swimmer and climber. I fell in love with Pentathlon. Some of my other club mates were coming so I signed up and I’m shocked that I won. I had no expectations, I couldn’t even drink a cup of coffee today I was so nervous.”

The Senior Women’s Final also saw a noteworthy performance from Lena Schollig-Steffan of Germany, who will compete later in the week in Para sport events. A full-time athlete who competes in para-climbing as well as Obstacle, Schollig-Steffan’s request to compete in Tuesday’s Senior competition was granted and she proved her pedigree by finishing inside the top 10 of the 20-strong field. 

Gold in the Men’s Senior race went to Maxim Shmulich (KAZ), who crossed ahead of compatriot Temirlan Temirov.

The host nation got in on the act with two competitors from Portugal ensuring the home flag waved over the top of the podium, Ricardo Rego (POR) winning the Masters 40+ race with his compatriot Joaquim Fernandes (POR) doing the honours in the 60+ category. 

In between them was a returning champion, James Greenwell (GBR) who took gold with a determined performance in the Masters 50+ race for his first victory since 2021. 

“It’s a pleasure to be here, I really love this course, it’s my favourite in the world because there’s no sand!” Greenwell said. “I had a clear game plan and had to go out with the lead group and sit in the pack. I attack in the swim and accelerate on the way back. If I can get to 300 metres from the finish line and I can smell the win, I know my heart is like a British lion and I will push.Thank you Madeira, thank you Portugal, thank you UIPM.”

The unique atmosphere of this beloved competition comes from its cross-generational appeal and at all age grades there was joy and camaraderie. Toby Horgan (IRE) won the Boys Under-9 race while in the Girls U11 Final, Misha Meyer (RSA) saw her third trip to this event result in a first gold. 

“I felt nervous before the race. I didn’t know how fast the other girls were,” said Meyer. “After the race I was very tired but happy! My plan for the rest of the week is to also try and get a medal [in Triathle]. It’s so nice here, I love it.”

Girls U15 champion Liza Rebeka Carassin of Hungary said: “Before we started, I couldn’t believe I was going to win but after the swim, I realized it! The swimming was strong today. I will compete in Triathle and Laser Run next and hope there can be more medals.”