Joy for Whitaker (GBR) and Belaud (FRA) at star-studded Hungarian Indoor Open 

Emma Whitaker of Great Britain and France veteran Valentin Belaud defied home favourites as they raided Budapest (HUN) for impressive gold medals at the Viwa Hungarian Indoor Open. 

A pair of solid silver-medal performances provided plenty of consolation for Hungary, however, as world No.2 Blanka Guzi and World No.1 Csaba Bohm ensured the host nation was well represented on the podium after five days of fun and friendly action in the capital city from March 18-23. 

For the first time, the popular event incorporated Obstacle, with some exciting performances over the course. While often used as a welcome tune-up ahead of the start of the UIPM Pentathlon World Cup season, the competition moved from February to March this year. In the process, it was an opportunity for many leading European pentathletes to stay sharp in ahead of UIPM 2025 Pentathlon World Cup Budapest next on the schedule (April 22-26).

The 2025 edition attracted a field with plenty of elite talent with 42 women and 61 men representing 10 nations: Hungary, Great Britain, Spain, France, Italy, Austria, Czechia, Ireland, Ukraine and Estonia. 

The Women’s Final saw Whitaker (GBR) and Guzi (HUN) battle fiercely for top spot on the podium before the 23-year-old Briton sprinted clear to win by seven seconds. Lucie Hlavackova of Czechia finished third. Victory marked a first win in an individual senior-level competition for Whitaker (GBR).

Belaud (FRA) has enjoyed a strong start to the season showing great determination in responding to missing out on the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the 32-year-old adapting to Obstacle like a natural. He persevered over Szep (HUN) by seven seconds with Yuriy Kovalchuk of Ukraine enjoying an impressive bronze.