UIPM President’s Activities: July/August 2024

11.07. – 13.07.2024: Budapest, HUN

UIPM President Dr Klaus Schormann attended the 2024 European Championships, where the Hungarian Modern Pentathlon Association (HMPA) paid tribute to the final inclusion of riding in the European Championships with a special horse showcase.

President Dr Schormann met with HMPA Secretary General, Peter Vizkeleti, who expressed his strong commitment to supporting the Modern Pentathlon community, especially as it transitions toward the inclusion of Obstacle discipline for Los Angeles 2028. Additionally, Dr Schormann held discussions with Kameliya Aleksandrova, Vice President of the European Modern Pentathlon Confederation, focusing on the future of the sport in Europe.

The UIPM President presented medals to the athletes during the victory ceremony as they finished their last competition before the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

23.07. – 11.08.2024: Paris, FRA

During almost three weeks in Paris (FRA) as the city hosted the 2024 Olympic Games for the first time in 100 years, UIPM President Dr Klaus Schormann had constant and extensive contact with senior stakeholders in the Olympic movement.

In total, President Dr Schormann accepted invitations to attend events from 14 fellow International Federations, as well as 13 National Olympic Committees, as well as participating in various international functions, the first of which was the 142nd Session of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

IOC Session

During the first two days of the IOC Session on July 23-24, it was announced that the 2030 Winter Olympic Games would be hosted in the French Alps, while the 2034 Games were awarded to Salt Lake City (USA). Additionally, Riyadh (KSA) was selected to host the inaugural Olympic Esports Games in 2025.

There was a moment of great significance for the Modern Pentathlon community as Aya Medany OLY was elected as an IOC Member. Ms Medany represented Egypt in three Olympic Games before becoming an athlete representative, serving as Chair of the UIPM Athletes Committee and as a Member of the IOC Athletes’ Commission.

 

Joint Meeting ASOIF + IOC

On July 25, a joint meeting between the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF) and the IOC was held. The IOC provided a comprehensive briefing to all International Summer Sports Federations, covering the progress of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and the current state of preparations.

IF representatives had the opportunity to ask questions regarding the upcoming days of competition and address any sport-specific concerns. This meeting ensured open communication and reinforced collaboration between the IOC and the IFs to ensure a smooth and successful Olympic experience for all participants.

Ukraine House

UIPM President Dr Schormann attended the opening of Ukraine House, where the Sports Ministers of Ukraine and France delivered speeches highlighting the significance of Ukraine's delegation at the Paris Games.

Though this may have been the smallest team Ukraine has ever sent to the Games, it was one of the most important. NOC President Vadim Guttsait expressed deep gratitude to all involved in enabling Ukraine's participation in Paris.

Following the event, President Dr Schormann had a personal conversation with President Guttsait, reaffirming his support for all Ukrainian athletes. He also discussed the efforts UIPM has made to ensure their safety and continued training, including financial support from UIPM and the Asian Modern Pentathlon Confederation that has allowed them to train in other countries.

India House

The UIPM President also visited the first ever India House in an Olympic Games, where he met Olympic Council of Asia Acting President Randhir Singh as well as newly elected IOC Vice President Nawal El Moutawakel, IOC Member Richard Carrion and Pan Am Sports President Neven Ilic (also an IOC Member).

Art & culture tour

During the Paris Games, the IOC Culture and Olympic Heritage Commission organised under the leadership of Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul (IOC Member) a cultural tour that began with a visit to the Olympic sculpture by renowned artist Alison Saar, located in the picturesque Champs-Elysées Gardens.

This impressive piece, open to the public, celebrates the spirit of the Olympics through art.

Following the sculpture visit, the group proceeded to Clubhouse 24, where they explored the rich history, evolution and artistic impact of the Olympic Games. The exhibition was further enriched by Olympic athletes who not only competed in multiple Olympic Games but have also transitioned into accomplished artists, sharing their unique perspectives on the intersection of sport and art.

Global Sports Alliance Convention

President Dr Schormann attended the Global Sports Alliance (GSA) Convention held at OLY House, the Games-time home of the World Olympians Association.

The convention brought together key stakeholders from sport and business to explore innovative ways of integrating these two vital sectors. The GSA, known for its commitment to fostering collaboration between sports organisations, athletes and the business community, provided a platform for exchanging ideas and best practices.

Discussions focused on leveraging business strategies to enhance the global impact of sports, creating sustainable partnerships, and promoting the growth of sports worldwide. Dr Schormann's participation highlighted UIPM's dedication to embracing new opportunities that bridge the gap between sport and business, ensuring the continued development and success of Modern Pentathlon on a global scale.

Sport visit: Hockey

On July 31, on one of his many visits to other Olympic sports, UIPM President Dr Schormann attended the hockey competitions, where he was honored with special recognition by Tayyab Ikram, President of the International Hockey Federation (FIH).

Dr Schormann was acknowledged for his 31 years as IF President, one of the longest tenures in history. FIH President Ikram expressed deep gratitude for Dr Schormann's unwavering support and valuable advice over the years, which have contributed to the development and success of hockey on the international stage.

The event highlighted the strong ties between the two federations and their shared commitment to advancing the world of sports.

 

Appreciation of Leadership reception

Olympic leaders, close colleagues and friends attended a special reception held in appreciation of the leadership of Dr Klaus Schormann on August 3.

The UIPM President has served in his role since 1993, contributing exceptional service to Modern Pentathlon and the Olympic movement and building a unique legacy, and recently announced he would not stand for re-election at the 73rd UIPM Congress in November 2024.

The reception, hosted by the WOA at OLY House, attracted guests from across the Olympic family. Speakers included Francesco Ricci Bitti (President of the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations and Honorary Life President of the International Tennis Federation), Dr Uğur Erdener (Vice President of the International Olympic Committee, President of the Turkish Olympic Committee and World Archery) and Olle Dahlin (President of the International Biathlon Union).

Other dignitaries present on the evening of August 3 included Ingmar de Vos (President of the International Equestrian Federation who will succeed Mr Ricci Bitti as ASOIF President), Kee-Heung Lee (IOC Member and President of the Korean Olympic Committee), Dr Chungwon Choue and Jeongkang Seo (World Taekwondo President and Secretary General respectively).

Speakers who paid tribute to President Dr Schormann during the event included Yasser Hefny OLY (Chair of the UIPM Athletes Committee) and Alexandra de Navacelle de Coubertin (President of the Association Familiale Pierre de Coubertin). President Dr Schormann presented Ms Navacelle de Coubertin with an oak tree cup in recognition of her direct relative’s unparalleled contribution to the Olympic Games.

A welcome was given by Joel Bouzou OLY (WOA President and UIPM Vice President), while Rob Stull OLY (President of the NORCECA Modern Pentathlon Confederation) played the role of Master of Ceremonies.

ASOIF President Francesco Ricci Bitti said: “His legacy is unequal, in my opinion – forever. His service lasts more than 31 years; he started much earlier in Germany and in other capacities. On top of that I would say he has unique values, being open-minded to innovation. His sport was really under scrutiny for a long time in the Olympic programme discussion. It has now been protected and confirmed in Los Angeles 2028.”

UIPM President Dr Klaus Schormann said: “I was very happy to see how many people from the Olympic Family came together for a reception linked to my service of 31 years as UIPM President and four years as Vice President for both sports, Modern Pentathlon and Biathlon.

“For me the purpose was not to say bye bye, it was to take the opportunity during the Olympic Games as an active IF President to say thank you to my colleagues and express what it means to have served so long, and to have been transparent and communicative and never forgetting the people who have escorted and helped me.

“It was wonderful that we could have this evening, and I am looking forward after the Congress to hopefully continue to serve the Union in some capacity. We send out the message that sport can help create a better, more peaceful world.”

German NOC reception

On August 4, UIPM President Dr Klaus Schormann was honored by the German National Olympic Committee (DOSB) at Germany House during an official function attended by a distinguished group of international friends and partners, IOC Members and NOC Presidents, including IOC President Dr Thomas Bach, IOC Member Britta Heidemann and new IOC Member Michael Mronz.

Dr Schormann has a long history of service with the DOSB, having acted as an advisor and a member of the German Olympic Academy; he also served for 30 years as President of the German Modern Pentathlon Federation.

In recognition of his significant contributions, DOSB President Thomas Weikert presented Dr Schormann with a special gift, making him the first-ever Honorary Member of Team Germany. This accolade reflects Dr Schormann's dedication and enduring impact on both the German and international sports communities.

Pierre de Coubertin Exhibition

On August 5, Dr Klaus Schormann visited the Pierre de Coubertin Exhibition, curated by Jingshi Feng. The exhibition is a unique initiative, with Feng personally investing his own capital to bring together Chinese artists. These artists have created works that interpret and represent Pierre de Coubertin and the values he championed when founding the Olympic Games, offering a distinct perspective on his legacy.

Swedish royal family meeting

During the Games, President Dr Schormann had the distinct pleasure of reconnecting with HM King Carl XVI Gustaf and HM Queen Silvia of Sweden. Their longstanding friendship dates back to the 1972 Munich Olympics, where Dr Schormann served as Deputy Competition Manager for Modern Pentathlon.

In Paris, Dr. Schormann presented HM King Carl XVI Gustaf and HM Queen Silvia with a special UIPM Five Pin Set, a limited-edition release of only 300 pieces created specifically for the Games. This gesture symbolised the enduring bond between UIPM and the Swedish Royal Family.

UIPM global press conference

On the morning of August 7, UIPM President Dr Klaus Schormann sat on the panel of a global press conference at the Paris 2024 Main Press Centre, accompanied by Secretary General Shiny Fang, Olympic athletes Ahmed Elgendy (EGY) and Anna Jurt (SUI) and coach James Cooke (SUI), also a Member of the UIPM Athletes Committee.

The panel answered questions from journalists from global news agencies as well as renowned press titles from Egypt, Germany, Japan, the UK and USA among others. The event kickstarted a week of media coverage of Modern Pentathlon within the context of Paris 2024 and the historic transition taking place ahead of Los Angeles 2028.

UIPM Executive Board meeting

President Dr Schormann chaired a meeting of the UIPM Executive Board in Versailles on the afternoon of August 7. Topics on the agenda included proposed rule changes and related points to be discussed before work begins on EB motions for Congress.

UIPM Reception

On August 8, after the Modern Pentathlon competition began with a highly successful Fencing Ranking Round in North Paris Arena, UIPM hosted an internal reception in Versailles, welcoming all board members, Technical Officials and International Judges, NF Presidents and Secretaries General, along with personal partners, for an enjoyable evening together.

In a surprise gesture, Dragomir Cioroslan, Director of International Strategies and Development at the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), presented a special honour to Dr Schormann on behalf of USOPC Chairman Gene Sykes and LA28 Chairperson and President Casey Wasserman.

This prestigious award, recognising Dr Klaus Schormann’s lifetime of service to the Olympic Movement, was presented three times during the Paris Games, with IOC President Dr Thomas Bach and World Athletics President Lord Sebastian Coe the only other recipients.

Korea House

On August 9, UIPM President Dr. Klaus Schormann was warmly invited by Kee-heung Lee, NOC President of Korea and IOC Member, to Korea House. Their discussions centred on the future of Modern Pentathlon in Korea, including the potential to host competitions from 2026 and beyond.

The meeting was attended by key figures including Korean Modern Pentathlon Federation President Hanjoon Lee and the Asian Modern Pentathlon Confederation Secretary General, Sangkeong Yeo.

Dr Schormann expressed his enthusiasm at Korea's commitment to further developing Modern Pentathlon and extending support to other Asian countries. He commended Korea's ongoing efforts in providing training camps, equipment and financial support to Asian National Federations, and looked forward to the continued growth and collaboration within the sport.

President Dr Schormann handed over limited-edition Modern Pentathlon pin sets to President Hanjoon Lee and Keeheung Lee, IOC Member and NOC President of Korea.

Modern Pentathlon Finals

The Paris 2024 Olympic Games Modern Pentathlon competition was a groundbreaking success with more than 63,000 spectators attending and millions watching on TV and online.

Among the spectators at the Women’s Final on August 11 were IOC President Dr Thomas Bach, IOC Vice President Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr and IOC Member HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, UIPM Honorary President.

Leaders of the IOC Sports and Corporate Communications Department were also present, underscoring the significance of the event and highlighting the importance of Modern Pentathlon within the Olympic movement.

The occasion provided a platform for engaging with key IOC representatives, fostering further dialogue on the sport's future and its ongoing evolution within the Olympic program.

IOC Member Daina Gudzineviciute, Sydney 2000 Olympic trap shooting champion and President of the Lithuania National Olympic Committee, presented the medals to the Women’s Final medallists.

One day earlier on August 10, newly-elected IOC Member Aya Medany OLY attended the Men’s Final and presented medals during the ceremony.

UIPM President Dr Klaus Schormann accompanied both IOC Members during the Modern Pentathlon ceremonies and presented the medallists with gifts.

The IOC dignitaries were joined by National Olympic Committee leaders and Government officials in attending a hugely successful four days of competition at the Palace of Versailles and North Paris Arena.

UIPM President Dr Klaus Schormann said: “This four-day Olympic competition was a groundbreaking success for Modern Pentathlon, and I am overjoyed that so many spectators, so many families with children, and so many dignitaries from the IOC and other important stakeholders could join us for special days in Paris.

“Our athletes are always great ambassadors for Modern Pentathlon but they took this to a new level with the high level of performance and also perfect sportsmanship in front of a huge global audience watching on TV and online.

“Paris 2024 was a very special moment for the multisport created by Baron Pierre de Coubertin, in his home city. And we will do everything to deliver an event that raises the bar again in Los Angeles in four years’ time. Riding may be in our past now, Obstacle is in our present. One thing is permanent: that the Modern Pentathlon seeks to identify the ultimate athlete competing in the Olympic Games.

“Our pentathletes certainly lived up to that reputation along with the many incredible athletes in other sports who made Paris 2024 a stunning success.”