UIPM Joint Committees Propose LA28 Fencing Proposals

The International Modern Pentathlon Union is one step closer to finishing its format for the 2028 Olympic Summer Games in Los Angeles with three options for the fencing discipline submitted to the executive board.

All three proposals contain a single-elimination format, meaning pentathletes will compete for the first time in the knockout structure used in many other Olympic sports.

Modern pentathlon will remain on the LA28 program in part after UIPM delegates voted in November 2022 to replace equestrian riding with obstacle racing.

The various formats will be tested by several National Federations in March, April and May.  The format selected for LA28 — if approved by the International Olympic Committee — will replace the current two-venue model of a full-scale ranking round followed by a bonus round with a ladder-style elimination format.

“Once again, we have been challenged to redefine our sport to make sure it remains a compelling part of the world’s greatest sporting event,” UIPM President Klaus Schormann said. “A single-elimination format in fencing will be another important landmark in the evolution of Modern Pentathlon.”