Full Breakdown
Ninja Warrior Obstacles Replace Equestrian Show Jumping in LA28 Modern Pentathlon
5/29/2026, 4:51:28 AM
New Discipline: Obstacle Racing Enters Modern Pentathlon at Los Angeles 2028
The Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne (UIPM) will substitute the equestrian show-jumping segment of modern pentathlon with obstacle racing, a format derived from the television series Ninja Warrior, for the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Games. The change follows a licensing agreement with Tokyo Broadcasting System Television (TBS), the producer of Sasuke, granting UIPM rights to use TBS-designed obstacles. The International Olympic Committee approved the revised format in 2023, and the event will debut at the LA28 Games (July 14-30, 2028).
Background and Development
Modern pentathlon debuted in 1912 with fencing, swimming, equestrian show jumping, running, and pistol shooting; running and shooting later merged into a laser-run. After the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, UIPM began testing obstacle racing to modernize the sport. TBS involvement started in 2022, and the first Obstacle World Championships were held in Beijing in 2025. Sasuke has aired in more than 160 countries and regions, with localized versions in over 25 nations, underscoring the format’s global familiarity.
Key Organizations and Figures
The partnership involves UIPM, TBS, and the International Olympic Committee. UIPM President Rob Stull and TBS executive Katsuaki Setoguchi have publicly described the collaboration. U.S. media personalities Carson Daly, Savannah Guthrie, and Craig Melvin have highlighted the change on the TODAY program.
Official Statements
Rob Stull said the agreement represents a unique collaboration between primetime entertainment and Olympic sport, emphasizing the sport’s evolution to meet audience preferences. Katsuaki Setoguchi described the deal as a groundbreaking milestone for both the television franchise and modern pentathlon. The IOC’s 2023 decision to adopt obstacle racing reflects its agenda to modernize Olympic events.
Verbatim Quotes
- “a unique coming together of primetime entertainment and Olympic sports culture,” — Rob Stull, UIPM President
- “groundbreaking milestone” — Katsuaki Setoguchi, TBS executive
- “That's right, everybody — Ninja Warrior obstacle courses are heading to the L.A. Olympics in 2028,” — Carson Daly, TODAY host
- “It's modernizing the pentathlon,” — Savannah Guthrie, TODAY co-anchor
Implications for Competition
Removing horses eliminates animal-welfare concerns and logistical hurdles. Athletes familiar with American Ninja Warrior may have a competitive edge, a point noted by U.S. commentators. The shift aligns modern pentathlon with contemporary spectator interest in obstacle-course challenges.
Upcoming Milestones
The 2025 Obstacle World Championships in Beijing will serve as the next major test of the Olympic format. Preparations for LA28 will continue through the 2026 season of American Ninja Warrior, providing further exposure to the course designs slated for Olympic use.
