UIPM Pierre de Coubertin Pentathlon Day: ‘His philosophy is a part of our DNA’

Five years after its inauguration during the UIPM 2018 World Championships in Mexico City (MEX), Pierre de Coubertin Pentathlon Day returns today with the UIPM Sports community celebrating the legacy of Modern Pentathlon’s founder online and offline.

UIPM President Dr Klaus Schormann , speaking from the 3rd Mediterranean Beach Games in Heraklion (GRE) where Triathle is on the programme, said: “Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympic Games and creator of Modern Pentathlon, was inspired by the ancient Olympic Games. He was guided by its spirit and during his lifetime focused always on the time to come.

“We in the Modern Pentathlon society cherish carry this forward day by day – his philosophy is a part of our DNA.

“Through ongoing innovation we are modernising our multi-sport, taking care of Coubertin’s legacy and celebrating his heritage, promoting the interests of young generations in a never-ending evolution.

“The yearly celebration of Pierre de Coubertin Pentathlon Day on 9 September is a legacy in itself. Today our sport makes its first appearance in the Mediterranean Beach Games, which by poetic coincidence is taking place in Greece – the ancient home of the Olympic Games.”

Yasser Hefny OLY, Chair of the UIPM Athletes Committee, added: “Pierre de Coubertin Day is very special to all who love sports, particularly the Modern Pentathlon family. He is the great man who gave all worldwide sports fans the most beautiful month we experience every four years, the month of the Olympic Games, which is full of fun, excitement, challenge, and intense emotion.

“Coubertin is the one who was able to create an event that equalises all races and ethnicities. I am sure that if he were with us now, he would be proud of our progress in our sport to keep up with the new trends and the evolution of sports fans’ general way of thinking and evaluation.”

Alexandra de Navacelle de Coubertin, UIPM Pierre de Coubertin Commission Member, said: “Pierre de Coubertin believed that the Modern Pentathlon captured the essence of the Olympic spirit because it required athletes to excel in a variety of athletic and intellectual disciplines. The five components of the modern pentathlon tested an athlete's physical fitness, mental toughness, adaptability, and versatility. 

“UIPM are doing an incredible job at keeping the spirit and intention of this discipline alive by constantly adapting it to modern days, improving its format and introducing ongoing innovative solutions to make it more accessible and in touch with its time.” 

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