UIPM PRESIDENT’S WELCOME

The war in Ukraine continues to test the limits of the Olympic Movement, examining our ideals and our values. As we work hard to find ways of responding to this tragic situation, it is these ancient ideals and values that inform our course of action. UIPM has worked alongside the IOC and all other International Federations to offer support not only for Ukrainian athletes, but also for the people of Ukraine. And we will continue to do so.

Last year was groundbreaking for Modern Pentathlon and the UIPM Sports global family. UIPM undertook an exhaustive, transparent process to reform our sport and futureproof it for the next generations of athletes. The addition of Obstacle is an exceptional opportunity to increase the accessibility of Modern Pentathlon at the roots and widen its global appeal and popularity.

Paris 2024 will be a remarkable Games for many reasons, beginning with the 100th anniversary of the Paris 1924 Olympic Games. It will be the first Summer Olympics built around the reforms of Olympic Agenda 2020+5. Riding will be included in the Olympic Modern Pentathlon for the last time.

As the only sport created by Baron Pierre de Coubertin, founder of the Modern Olympic Games, we hold a unique position in Olympic heritage and tradition. But, as Coubertin himself envisaged, the Games should not focus on the past; they should look forward and always evolve to stay relevant. I am proud to say our community has done that by embracing the most profound transformation of any sport in Olympic history.

The value that Obstacle brings to our sport is clear: hundreds of millions of fans and participants worldwide, thousands of annual events on a global basis, and a sport that is easy to access with minimal barriers of entry for young athletes around the world. But Obstacle will also strengthen the Olympic Games beyond Modern Pentathlon. Its TV-friendly format and highly digitized, younger core audience base will bring millions of new, passionate fans to the greatest sporting event on earth. This makes the entire Olympic Movement stronger and more relevant.

In 2023, Obstacle will be integrated into Modern Pentathlon during

The phrase “necessity is the mother of invention” sums up our position as a sport and the direction where we are going. The IOC, under the supportive leadership and guidance of President Dr Thomas Bach, have been strong partners for UIPM in addressing this necessary change. We are grateful for their counsel and continued encouragement as we move to embrace our collective future together.

When I look back on the historic year of 2022, and how far we have come as a Union and as a sport, I am very optimistic about Modern Pentathlon’s future. The world today is more challenging than at any point in our lifetimes. People around the world yearn for connection, for understanding and for solace. Sport has the power to provide everyone with a sense of peace, belonging and unity.

I hope you enjoy the 2023 season and the moments of joy that only sport can bring. I also hope you appreciate the opportunity to be part of Olympic history as the only sport created especially for the Olympic Games transforms itself, ensuring