2028 Olympics set to feature Ninja-style obstacle race after World Championships debut

Joseph Choong, the reigning 2028 Olympic champion from Great Britain, and fellow Modern Pentathlon athletes are facing a completely new test this week. The World Championships began on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, in Kaunas, Lithuania, and for the first time, the sport featured a Ninja-style obstacle race instead of horse riding. The International Modern Pentathlon Union (UIPM) made this huge change after the equestrian event was dropped following the Tokyo 2020 controversy. Athletes will now compete on a fast 70-meter obstacle course that looks more like a Ninja Warrior show than a traditional Olympic event.The UIPM confirmed that Paris 2024 will be the last Olympics to feature horse riding, and Los Angeles 2028 will showcase the full new format with fencing, swimming, laser run, and obstacle racing. The change was made official after a vote in 2021, and this week in Kaunas marks the World Championship debut of the discipline.UIPM president Rob Stull explained how big this shift is for the athletes and the sport. “Taking its place alongside a new and more dynamic fencing format, swimming and the exciting finale of laser run, obstacle has opened up our sport to a whole new world of participants and audiences. I can’t wait for everyone to see how the new-look pentathlon is presented here in Kaunas,” said Rob Stull.Athletes now face a 70-meter course with eight obstacles. Six are fixed, while two are decided shortly before the races. These include balance beams, tilting ladders, hoops, wheels, ascension bars and swinging globes. Competitors must finish by climbing a wall and pressing a buzzer like a ninja. Warnings are given for failing an obstacle on the first attempt or touching the crash mattress. A second mistake means elimination.Also Read: Syko Stu GoFundMe fundraiser crosses $50,000 following violent Raja Jackson wrestling attack The decision to replace horse riding came after a major controversy at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. German coach Kim Raisner punched a horse named Saint Boy during the women’s event after it refused to jump. The moment sparked global outrage, with many calling the discipline unfair to athletes and unsafe for animals.The UIPM voted to drop equestrian in 2021, despite protests from some athletes. Since then, obstacle racing like ninja style has been tested in junior and senior competitions before making its World Championship debut in Kaunas this week.Rob Stull praised the way athletes have adapted. “From the athletes’ walk-on to the final laser run, you’ll see Modern Pentathlon as you’ve never seen it before — bolder, faster and more spectacular,” he said.With the countdown already on for Los Angeles 2028, Kaunas is now the stage where fans can see the radical new 2028 Olympics format in action.