New format for modern pentathlon set to debut in Cairo

The most significant reform in modern pentathlon’s history is complete, and it will be revealed in Cairo next week.

Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne (UIPM) President Dr. Klaus Schormann said, “I would like to welcome all athletes, coaches and trainers, guests and officials joining us this week in Cairo for the start of a new era for modern pentathlon.”

The finals of the 2022 UIPM World Cup will be held on March 26 in Cairo, and all five disciplines will be featured within a 90-minute period.

“A lot of work has gone into the creation of a new format for our sport that is more dynamic and more exciting for spectators and viewers, but still presenting athletes with the ultimate challenge of body and mind – as Pierre de Coubertin envisaged,” Schormann added.

After the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the sport of modern pentathlon will undergo another major transformation, with a new discipline being added in time for the LA28 Summer Games, pending the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) inclusion of the sport on the Olympic program for LA28.

Modern pentathlon was one of three long-standing Olympic sports dropped by the IOC in December 2021 from the LA28 Olympic program. The IOC has told the UIPM they will not accept any format of modern pentathlon which includes horse riding, if they desire to be a part of future Olympic Games after Paris 2024.

The world’s leading competitors have already been tasked with adapting to the new format, which features finals consisting of swimming, laser run, riding, and fencing. Only 18 athletes will be able to reach the finals, and 18 will be eliminated in the semifinals.

“I am very proud of all the athletes who have trained hard and come through difficult times to be here now, taking part in this historic competition. We are together after a challenging and stressful period after two years of living with the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The qualification for the new-look semifinals will take place on March 22-23. The elimination round will be held in the same format as the finals in a new, ‘made for TV’ event.

It’s no surprise two-time world champion Valentin Belaud and Rio 2016 silver medalist Elodie Clouvel are the favorites and eager to compete in Paris 2024.

Joining them on the entry list are some of the most promising athletes in the sport, such as Ilke Ozyuksel of Turkey and Martin Vlach and Jan Kuf of the Czech Republic.

The host nation Egypt is expected to have a strong team, with several prominent individuals lining up for the event, including world No.7 Ahmed Hamed and two-time Olympian Haydy Morsy.

Other countries expected to have strong teams include Germany, Italy, Poland, and Mexico. Great Britain, which won two Olympic gold medals in Tokyo 2020, has also sent a young team headlined by Joseph Choong, the defending champion.

Schormann was grateful for the hard work Egypt had put towards making the debut of the new format a success.

“My deepest thanks go to the Egyptian Modern Pentathlon Federation and all volunteers, sponsors and supporters. Special thanks also to the city and national government, the National Olympic Committee and the media.

“In solidarity with all sportspeople, I have a message to the world: ‘Sport is the strongest factor for peace and friendship!’”

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