Modern Pentathlon Will Celebrate Its 116th Olympic Birthday in Los Angeles 2028

International Olympic Committee Executive Board recommended that Modern Pentathlon continue to be part of the Olympic Program for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Created by the founder of the modern Olympics, Baron Pierre de Coubertin, Pentathlon was created to be the test of the most complete athlete.  The test will now include Ninja style Obstacle racing, replacing the equestrian discipline following Paris 2024. in this most versatile test of mind and body. USA Pentathlon Multisport board Chair, Tom Shepard, enthusiastically supported the decision stating, “We are excited and thankful regarding the IOC decision. We are very appreciative of the hard work done by many to ensure the future of the Pentathlon. The decision is in keeping with the IOC’s desire to continue to expand interest overall and sport accessibility, and will allow the sport to grow and flourish.”

Work has already begun integrating Obstacle racing into the training program for future Olympians,  USAPM athlete representative Nate Schrimsher (2016 Olympian) commented that “this decision will give the opportunity to compete at the Olympic Games and potentially the Paralympic Games to future Pentathletes for generations to come” World Obstacle President, Ian Adamson offered, “I am delighted to be a part of this historic process, which will provide an entry to the Games for versatile Obstacle athletes.”  USAPM CEO and international federation executive board member, Rob Stull stated in part, "...I am delighted that the IOC EB recognizes the importance of the Pentathlon, both historically and philosophically. The Games represent much more than just medals, and the Pentathlon, now modernized with Obstacle, represents those ideals of the founder."   The IOC EB recommendations were approved by the full IOC membership during the IOC session in Mumbai last week. For more information see the IOC release at olympic.org and the UIPM release at world pentathlon.org