The push is on to have obstacle racing included as a standalone Olympic sport at the Brisbane 2032 Games.
A new group, the Australian Multisport Federation (AMF), has been formed as a peak body for obstacle course racing (OCR), ninja, adventure racing, modern pentathlon and other emerging multisport disciplines in the country.
Backed by YOHKA Sports Executive Director and World Obstacle Board member Russell Nelmes, the new body aims to leverage the sports participation at the LA 2028 Olympic Games.
Mr Nelmes said the AMF had been formally recognised by World Obstacle (Fédération Internationale de Sports d’Obstacles, FISO), and would unite Australia’s multisport community under one umbrella.
He said it would align with FISO, the Olympic movement and international sport governance to strengthen the development and visibility of these high-impact sports.
“With obstacle racing confirmed as part of the LA 2028 Olympic Games, included as a new discipline within the modern pentathlon, the AMF is campaigning for obstacle racing to be included not only in the Brisbane 2032 Modern Pentathlon program but also as a standalone Olympic sport.”
Mr Nelmes said obstacle racing was internationally recognised and Australia was home to world-class talent.
“This year alone, we have athletes aged from 13 to 70 representing Australia on the global stage in both the US and Sweden.
“Not only are these sports exciting to watch, but our athletes are incredibly well-rounded. It’s time for the country to get behind them.”
What is obstacle racing?
Test events have involved two to four athletes racing each other over a course up to 100m long with as many as 10 obstacles which could include:
- Ascending steps.
- Rope swing.
- 1.5m wall.
- Monkey bars.
- Offset steps.
- 0.5m low crawl.
- Rings rig.
- Under-over-under-over.
- Wheels rig.
- Balance beam.
- Angled ladders
- “Tsunami” curved wall, which is climbed finish to the course.
