‘Ninja Warrior’ Obstacle Racing Officially Added to 2028 LA Olympics

For the first time Olympic history, the Modern Pentathlon will include “American Ninja Warrior” inspired obstacle course racing as one of the five disciplines in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Historically, fencing, swimming, equestrian show jumping, running and shooting have been the five disciplines. The new obstacle course racing discipline will replace equestrian show jumping.

The addition of obstacle course racing into the Modern Pentathlon is a result of an agreement and collaboration between Tokyo Broadcasting System Television (TBS) and the Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne (UIPM).

“Since its launch 30 years ago, ‘Sasuke’/’Ninja Warrior’ has continued to evolve constantly,” TBS Holdings executive officer Katsuaki Setoguchi said in the press release. “It is a tremendous honor that our journey has converged in this way with the history of the Modern Pentathlon — a sport beloved around the world which has continued to innovate for more than 100 years — culminating in its establishment as an Olympic sport. This is truly a groundbreaking milestone.

“Going forward, TBS and the UIPM will work even more closely together to ensure that, on the world’s greatest stage—the Olympic Games — both ‘Sasuke’/’Ninja Warrior and the new Modern Pentathlon continue to grow as sports and entertainment beloved by people all around the world.”

IOC Voted to Include Obstacle Racing in Olympics in 2023

The process of implementing obstacle racing into the Modern Pentathlon started in 2022.

In 2023, the UIPM replaced equestrian show racing with obstacle racing after the International Olympic Committee voted unanimously to include the updated version of the sport in the 2028 Olympics.

The UIPM hosted its first Obstacle World Championships in Beijing in 2025.

“What an incredible honor it is for our Federation to be working closely with TBS, the broadcaster that gave ‘Ninja Warrior’ to the world,” said UIPM prexy Rob Stull in a statement. “It is 30 years since TBS turned obstacle racing into a television phenomenon with the original ‘Sasuke,’ so our two organizations are a great fit in terms of heritage and innovation.

“Modern Pentathlon has held a continuous place in the Olympic Games since 1912, constantly evolving over the decades to satisfy the viewing preferences of sports fans around the world. Ahead of LA28, this agreement represents a wonderful and unique coming together of primetime entertainment and Olympic sports culture.”

Photo Credit: Quantrell Colbert/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images

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