The Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne (UIPM) today announces its full support for a structured return to UIPM Sports competitions for individual athletes with Russia and Belarus passports, based on the recommendations for International Federations published by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on March 28, 2023.
UIPM reaffirms its unwavering support for the athletes of Ukraine and their communities, who have suffered so terribly as a consequence of the invasion of their country by Russia, supported by Belarus. Our determination to help and comfort the Ukrainian Modern Pentathlon community, especially in supporting athletes who continue to train and compete outside of their homeland, is the same as it was at the time of the invasion in February 2022. UIPM will continue to review this support and react any time there is an opportunity to do more.
UIPM supports the pathway of a return of ‘independent neutral athletes’ with Russia and Belarus passports to allow athletes of all nationalities to compete together in our sports, in line with the Olympic Charter and especially the principle of non-discrimination. It is our firm belief that sport should be politically neutral and now, more than ever, must act as a vehicle for peace and a symbol of solidarity between athletes. UIPM will now work to develop the necessary independent review processes to facilitate the return of these athletes, in consultation with the IOC and the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF).
Following a vote of approval by the UIPM Executive Board (EB) during its meeting on April 19: UIPM will follow the IOC recommendations published on March 28 as mentioned aboveUIPM will set up an independent panel to review athlete eligibility based on criteria to be established by the EB in collaboration with the IOC, as well as timings for the opening of the pathway in respect of the UIPM Sports competition calendar, and any other relevant aspects.
About UIPM
UIPM (the Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne) has governed the core Olympic sport of Modern Pentathlon since its formation in 1948. Today it oversees a range of multi-discipline sports (Tetrathlon, Laser Run, Biathle/Triathle and World Schools Biathlon) which form a development pyramid with Modern Pentathlon at the top.
About Modern Pentathlon
Created especially for the Modern Olympic Games by its founder, Baron Pierre de Coubertin, the sport was introduced in Stockholm in 1912 and has been the climax of the Games ever since. The format has been adapted to suit the 21st century and the Modern Pentathlon now consists of Horse Riding, Fencing, Swimming and Laser Run (shooting/running).
Frederick Marfo is a sportswriter and social worker well known for his advocacy for equal chances and rights for all athletes, especially those with disabilities.
