The test was a success. The Modern Pentathlon World Championships concluded Saturday in Kaunas. The world's best pentathletes took over the Žalgiris Arena, a 15.000-seat venue that hosted the EuroBasket 2011 final. This first version, which included obstacle racing, was a success after 76 editions featuring equestrian events.
The Farida Khalil phenomenon
Farida Khalil, 14, won the women's title. The apotheosis of a historic season: world champion in the Junior category in June, then in the Under-17 category in July and in the Under-19 category in mid-August, the Egyptian wrote the history of her sport by achieving a resounding "Farida Slam." Despite the pressure, the young prodigy never wavered in Kaunas and asserted her rank as world number 1. A prime headliner for the UIPM: Farida Khalil is young and bankable—obviously beneficial for the storytelling of her sport. In early August, she also signed a sponsorship contract with Limitless Naturals, a company specializing in nutrition and dietary supplements.
The Egyptian boosted the UIPM's numbers, as the three most-viewed TikTok videos of the competition were about her. The results: more than 40.000 views for her qualifications on the obstacle course, almost 32.000 for her semifinal, and 15.000 for her solo finish, synonymous with the title. Sixty-five videos were published in one week on the UIPM's TikTok account, generating more than 65 views in total. A positive indicator for a sport that is seeking to rejuvenate its image and attract the new generation.
“Largely exceeded” objectives
Youth has definitely taken over, as in the men's category, it was another Egyptian, Moutaz Mohamed, who was crowned at just 20 years old. The landscape of Elite competitions has changed significantly, and for good reason: obstacle racing only arrived on the Elite calendar this year, whereas it had been integrated into the youth categories from 2023. This gives the younger athletes a head start over more experienced athletes, who are forced to reinvent themselves. In any case, the contract has been fulfilled. There is a playful, fun side to it, more than horse riding, which has a bit of an old-fashioned feel. ", says French silver medalist Mathis Rochat. On this momentum, his compatriot Rebecca Castaudi hopes " that after Los Angeles, people will no longer ask us “what is the pentathlon?” »
Prince Albert II of Monaco, IOC member and Honorary President of the UIPM, welcomed this demonstration: “ It's a great format, and in a room like this, it takes on another dimension, another meaning. » The same story from Balázs Fürjes, another member of the IOC: " The Olympic family should really be grateful to the modern pentathlon family, because we have this famous motto, “change or be changed.” And I think the International Modern Pentathlon Federation really understood that change was necessary. These changes are going in the right direction. »
« The local organizing committee and the competition team set very high goals, which they largely exceeded., welcomes UIPM President Rob Stull. These were the best World Championships the UIPM has seen in many years, and I am impressed by the performances of our athletes throughout the week. This was an incredible first for the arena format at a World Championship. » Mathis Rochat, silver medalist, confirms: “ It's on fire here in Kaunas! I didn't expect so many people to come and watch our little sport. » A small sport that just wants to grow.
