Modern pentathlon continues to evolve. The sport founded by Pierre de Coubertin has had to reinvent itself, abandoning equestrianism in favor of "ninja" obstacle course. The UIPM (Union Internationale des Pentathlons de Paris) intends to fully promote this discipline, as evidenced by the organization of the first World Championships in 2025 and the complete integration of the obstacle course community with the dissolution of the FISO (Fédération Internationale Sportive), effective in August. The FI (International Federation of Pentathlon) took another step forward this week with the signing of a partnership with Universal Studios Beijing, which will host the second edition of the World Championships in September.
Create an immersive experience
Traditionally, the pentathlon takes place in a stadium. But the UIPM wants to explore new horizons. Our sport can also take place in iconic locations, such as Universal Studios.Rob Stull told us during a press briefing. Amusement parks are great because people go there to have a good time. We can add an extra element of entertainment; it's a good partnership. You saw it at the World Cup: people come to support their teams, but also for the experience. It will be different, much more immersive, a bit like when you see the Tour de France peloton pass two or three meters away. You can hear the athletes talking. This proximity helps create an immersive experience. It's very different from a stadium where you're 100 or 200 meters away. »
The choice of an amusement park fully reflects the ambition of the UIPM. The pentathlon is a sport and entertainment product “,” Rob Stull confirms. The 100-meter, 400-meter, and 3-kilometer courses will be set up with the famous “Universal Globe” as a backdrop. It will be iconic. I love being here because I know the athletes will love it; it's a great setting. “,” says Rob Stull, eager to see the UIPM gain significant visibility. On average, the park receives 60.000 visitors per day. At Versailles, during the Games, we had 64.000 spectators. Not counting those who will come specifically for the competition, we'll be virtually at the same level as the Olympics. It's fantastic! "The finals will be broadcast in prime time, around 20 p.m. in Beijing, which will maximize audiences and the number of spectators, since these finals will coincide with the time when visitors will be approaching the exit and the area of the park where the courses will be located.
The choice of China is obviously strategic. 1,4 billion people “,” Rob Stull instinctively replies when asked about the country. No need to say much more: China represents almost 20% of the world's population, and it's a key market. So the UIPM is going all in. That's why, a few days before the Obstacle Course World Championships, it will be organizing its Modern Pentathlon Classic World Championships in Guiyang (August 24-30). A golden opportunity to showcase the new format of modern pentathlon, extremely fast, intense, in all five disciplines ", which takes place in 90 minutes. Rob Stull even confesses: We don't have time to go for a drink, otherwise we'll miss something. Seriously, it happened to me! »
