The bad guy in “Rocky IV” and the original “Masters of the Universe” He-Man now has a new role, at the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles.
The international federation over modern pentathlon just named action movie star Dolph Lundgren ambassador to the Los Angeles Games. He’ll help promote the multi-sport event that originated in ancient Greece and now includes a “Ninja Warrior”-style competition.
“What excites me most is how the sport has evolved. Obstacle racing brings an incredible energy and athleticism, while staying true to the unique adaptability and heroism that has always made pentathlon unique,” Lundgren said.
Modern pentathlon, introduced at the 1912 Olympics in Stockholm, traditionally focused on fencing, swimming, equestrian show jumping, running and shooting. In recent years, running has been combined with laser pistol shooting.
Now, the horses are being replaced with an obstacle course that could look a lot like the popular TV show thanks to a recent deal between the modern pentathlon federation and the Tokyo Broadcasting System Television that owns the rights to what’s called “Saskue” in Japan.
The change is seen as making modern pentathlon less of what ESPN called a “niche outlier” at the Olympics, a medal event “originally modeled on the exploits of a dashing soldier on horseback behind enemy lines.”
Organizers of the 2028 Summer Games describe modern pentathlon as a “multidimensional contest” demanding “unparalleled physical and mental resolve, calm precision under chaotic conditions and provides spectators with an ever-changing, highly-exciting viewing experience.”
This won’t be the first time Lundgren, a martial arts expert and the star of the 1994 movie, “Pentathlon,” has partnered with the sport.
The last time the Summer Games were held in the United States, in 1996 in Atlanta, Lundgren served as the non-competing leader of Team USA’s modern pentathlon squad, helping to manage the long day of competitions.
The president of the Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne, Rob Stull, said in a statement that he “could not think of a better person to define the story of the new, reimagined pentathlon.”
Stull said Lundgren “understands our sport and the Olympic values, and his journey from pentathlete to Hollywood icon reflects many of the qualities that define our athletes today — versatility, resilience and a willingness to embrace new challenges."