Bringing together influential figures from across the sporting world, the event provided an opportunity to strengthen relationships and champion the future of modern pentathlon.
Pentathlon GB Chair Emma Dowden attended Bridging Nations, Leading Change, an international sporting leadership event hosted by Green Templeton College at the University of Oxford on Wednesday 28 October 2026.
The event brought together senior leaders and decision-makers from across British and international sport, the Olympic movement, diplomacy, business and academia to explore the role of sport in connecting communities, developing leadership and driving positive change.
For Pentathlon GB, the occasion provided a valuable opportunity to engage with influential figures from across the sporting landscape, strengthen relationships and raise awareness of modern pentathlon and its future within the Olympic movement.
Among those in attendance were Jon Dutton OBE, Chief Executive of the British Olympic Association, Sally Munday OBE, Chief Executive of UK Sport, and Georgina Usher MBE, Chief Executive of British Fencing, alongside a range of international sporting representatives.
The event also welcomed Her Royal Highness Princess Haya bint Al Hussein, alongside international diplomatic representatives, including His Excellency Guido J. Martinelli III, Ambassador of Panama to the United Kingdom, and Ambassador Ana Irene Delgado, Vice President of UIPM.
The programme featured panel discussions, opportunities for networking and a fencing exhibition, highlighting the role sport can play in encouraging international cooperation and collaboration.
Reflecting on the event, Emma highlighted the importance of Pentathlon GB being represented in conversations taking place across the wider sporting community.
Emma Dowden, Chair of Pentathlon GB, said:
“For Pentathlon GB, this represented an extremely valuable opportunity to establish and strengthen relationships, raise the profile of our national governing body and ensure that modern pentathlon had a presence in conversations taking place across the wider sporting landscape.”
The event also provided an opportunity for young athletes to be part of these conversations, with Eva and Zac Dowden attending as representatives of the Pentathlon GB youth athlete community.
Eva, who is also an elected Member of Youth Parliament for Somerset, was invited to share her perspective on the Olympic aspirations of young modern pentathlon athletes and the importance of the sport’s continued place within the Olympic programme.
Her involvement highlighted the value of including young people’s voices in discussions about the future of sport and ensuring the next generation has opportunities to contribute to decisions that may shape their sporting journeys.
The visit reinforced Pentathlon GB’s commitment to building relationships across the sporting sector, supporting young athletes and contributing to conversations that will help shape the future of modern pentathlon.
