Obstacle course racing inspired by the TV show "Ninja Warrior" will replace equestrian show jumping as a component of the modern pentathlon at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics [1, 2]. The new format includes fencing, freestyle swimming, laser pistol shooting, cross-country running, and the newly added obstacle racing [1, 2].
The International Olympic Committee approved the replacement of the equestrian event with obstacle racing in 2023 [1, 2]. The obstacle courses are designed based on Japan’s popular TV program "Sasuke," known internationally as "Ninja Warrior" [1, 2]. Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS), the show's creator, licensed the obstacle designs to the Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne (UIPM) for official event use [1, 2]. UIPM Chairman Stull described the change as "a unique fusion of prime-time TV entertainment and Olympic sports culture" [1].
Modern pentathlon, introduced at the 1912 Stockholm Olympics, traditionally combined fencing, swimming, equestrian jumping, shooting, and running, with the last two merged into a laser run event [1]. The equestrian segment has been a staple for more than a century until the IOC voted to replace it.
The first World Obstacle Championships under the new format took place in Beijing in 2025 to test the obstacle racing's integration [1]. Obstacle course racing has a global reach, with versions of "Ninja Warrior" broadcast in over 160 countries and localized competitions in 25 countries [1].
The American version of "Ninja Warrior" is set to premiere its 18th season in June 2026, reflecting the event’s continued popularity [1]. Obstacle racing will officially debut at the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028 as part of the modern pentathlon program [1, 2].
