UIPM 2026 Biathle-Triathle-Laser Run World Championships: Ocean of talent makes waves across three multisports
- Almost a thousand athletes stage race across seven days in Madeira (POR)
- Global celebration spans 12 age groups, Mixed Relays and Para categories
- Europeans and South Africans stand out as United States, Mexico and Kazakshtan enjoy success
The Portuguese island of Madeira has staged a memorable celebration of global multisport with almost 1,000 athletes coming together for the UIPM 2026 Biathle-Triathle-Laser Run World Championships.
Seven days of sun-soaked competition showcased the extraordinary diversity of the UIPM development sports community, with world titles contested in Individual and Mixed Relay categories across 12 age groups. Para racing was seamlessly integrated into the Championships with athletes from five nations claiming titles.
- Click here to read the Para sports report
From aspiring young champions to Masters athletes competing well into their seventies, the event combined fierce competition with friendship, discovery and the shared enjoyment of sport.
The harbourside setting provided an idyllic backdrop as athletes took to the ocean to compete in Biathle and Triathle, before Laser Run brought its distinctive urban energy to the closing stages of the championships.
And while traditional powerhouses Great Britain, Hungary, Italy and South Africa enjoyed another highly successful week, the spread of medals across continents underlined the increasingly global appeal of all three sports.
Gold medals cross borders and generations
The international character of the championships was established on the first Individual Finals day, when 10 nations from four continents celebrated Biathle world titles.
Great Britain and South Africa led the way with five gold medals apiece, but there was also success for Kazakhstan, Mexico, Ireland and the United States.
Among the standout performances, Emma Madden (USA) claimed the Senior Women's Biathle title less than a year after discovering Pentathlon through her university club. Maxim Shmulich (KAZ) led a Kazakhstan one-two in the Senior Men's race, finishing ahead of team-mate Temirlan Temirov.
Host nation Portugal also enjoyed memorable moments, with Ricardo Rego and Joaquim Fernandes claiming Masters titles, while James Greenwell (GBR) returned to the top of the podium in the Masters 50+ category for the first time since 2021.
- Click here to read the Biathle Finals report
Triathle brought another compelling series of contests with shooting combined with running and swimming, with Natalie Hatfield (GBR) securing the Senior Women's title ahead of Andrea Flores (MEX) and elite pentathlete Alessandra Frezza (ITA).
The Senior Men's Final produced one of the closest finishes of the week as Niccolo Sancisi (ITA), a newcomer to the sport from triathlon, held off Paris 2024 Olympian Todor Mihalev (BUL) by less than 3sec. Marco Lopez (MEX) completed the podium.
The junior categories were equally international, with Katerina Vanova (CZE) and Marco Ciamaglia (ITA) taking Triathle gold, while Hungary, South Africa and Türkiye were prominent among the younger age groups. Athletes from Georgia and Portugal also claimed titles, with Australia, Greece and Ireland among the nations celebrating medals.
- Click here to read the Triathle Finals report
The Mixed Relays supplied further opportunities for teamwork and national success, including a Senior Biathle victory for Mexico through Tauset Lopez and Marco Lopez, and a Senior Triathle triumph for British duo Natalie Hatfield and Sam Cobb.
Laser Run adds another dimension
After four days of swim-based competition around Funchal's picturesque waterfront, Laser Run brought the shooting range into even sharper focus and provided a different examination of athletic skill.
Irene Prampolini (ITA) produced a commanding performance to claim Senior Women's gold ahead of Edith Lopez (MEX) and Aurora Tognetti (ITA). Her victory highlighted how Laser Run can serve both as a standalone competitive sport and as valuable preparation for elite Pentathlon.
Boglarka Csanak (HUN) took the U19 Women's title, while Suane Annequin (FRA) won the Junior Women's Final.
Across Friday's 12 Finals, eight nations celebrated gold medals, with Great Britain and South Africa again among the leading performers.
There was also another memorable achievement for Andra Novicka of Latvia, who won the Masters 40+ Laser Run title for the fifth consecutive year.
The continued presence of elite pentathletes alongside newcomers and development athletes, including Paris 2024 Olympic bronze medallist Giorgio Malan (ITA), demonstrated the complementary roles that these sports can play within the wider UIPM sporting pathway.
- Click here to read the Women's Laser Run Finals report
- Click here to read the Men's Laser Run Finals report
Sport for every generation and ability
Perhaps the most enduring images from Madeira were those illustrating the remarkable age range of the participants.
In Biathle, Toby Horgan (IRL) claimed Boys Under-9 gold while Misha Meyer (RSA) celebrated her first world title in the Girls U11 category on her third appearance at the championships.
At the other end of the age spectrum, 78-year-old Mary Collett (GBR) continued her extraordinary success in the Masters 70+ Triathle competition.
The inclusion of Para Biathle-Triathle and Para Laser Run reinforced the inclusive character of the championships. Among the athletes demonstrating the possibilities of crossover participation was Lena Schöllig-Steffan (GER), a Para athlete who also competed in the open Senior Women's Biathle Final, finishing ninth in a field of 20.
These achievements were complemented by the presence of athletes and delegations from across the world, representing a sporting community that continues to grow through accessible competition, international friendships and opportunities for lifelong participation.
Athlete reaction
Under-9 Triathle champion Asya Saat (TUR) captured the enthusiasm of the youngest participants: "I got many medals and loved it." She also described the cold water and sunshine, identifying running as her strongest challenge.
Senior Women's Biathle champion Emma Madden (USA), a former swimmer and climber who discovered Pentathlon through her university club just 11 months earlier, could scarcely believe her success.
"I'm shocked that I won. I had no expectations, I couldn't even drink a cup of coffee today I was so nervous."
For Masters 50+ Triathle champion Emanuele Gambini (ITA) reflected on a demanding contest against his rival Greenwell (GBR), but his thoughts were also with an absent fellow Masters regular. “This is my family. UIPM is my family ... I dedicate this medal to my friend, Roberto Sanchez.”
Senior Women's Laser Run champion Irene Prampolini (ITA) praised the organisation, the friendly atmosphere and the sight of so many young competitors. Having worked to improve her running and shooting after a challenging season, she also recognised the event's value for elite pentathletes.
"It's such a friendly competition and there is a little less pressure, but you can still train your Laser Run," she said.
President's reaction
UIPM President Rob Stull OLY said: “What we saw in Madeira was a wonderful demonstration of the strength and diversity of our global sporting community. It is inspiring to see young athletes taking their first steps on the world stage, Masters continuing to pursue their passion and Para athletes sharing in this celebration of sport.
“The breadth of international success is particularly encouraging. Biathle, Triathle and Laser Run are opening doors to participation all around the world, and they provide opportunities for athletes to develop their skills and discover the wider world of Pentathlon.
“I congratulate every athlete who competed and thank our Portuguese Federation, the organisers, volunteers and our Madeiran hosts for creating such a welcoming environment. This is exactly the kind of accessible, inclusive sporting experience that makes our movement Fit For The Future, aligning with the International Olympic Committee’s blueprint.”
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