Modern Pentathlon Australia awards Life Membership to Kitty Chiller and Kate Thompson

Modern Pentathlon Australia (MPA) has awarded Life Membership to Kitty Chiller AM OLY and Kate Thompson OAM, recognising their outstanding and sustained contributions to the sport over several decades.

Life Membership is the highest honour conferred by MPA and acknowledges exceptional service and commitment.

Kitty Chiller AM OLY is one of Australia’s most distinguished modern pentathlon figures, with a contribution spanning more than four decades as an athlete, administrator and international leader. An Olympian who represented Australia at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, she was a 12-time national champion, World Cup medallist and former world number one. Following her competitive career, Ms Chiller served as President of Modern Pentathlon Australia for 12 years and as President of the Oceania Confederation, playing a central role in the sport’s growth and governance. She has also made a significant impact across the Olympic movement, serving as Deputy Chef de Mission (London 2012) and Chef de Mission (Rio 2016), and currently holds senior leadership roles internationally, including as First Vice President of the UIPM.

Kate Thompson OAM has made an outstanding and sustained contribution to modern pentathlon in Australia through leadership, administration and athlete development. Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for her service to the sport, Ms Thompson has held numerous senior roles, including Vice President of MPA, National Director of Sport, and High Performance Manager (2001–2013), where she played a key role in athlete pathways and performance systems. At the state level, she served with Modern Pentathlon Victoria from 1997 to 2024, including as Secretary and Director of Sport. A highly respected technical official and UIPM-accredited international judge, she has also contributed extensively to grassroots and pathway development through tetrathlon and pony club programs, supporting generations of athletes.

Continuing appointed director Lyle Dahms said the awards recognise two individuals who have shaped the sport in Australia.

“Kitty and Kate have each made an extraordinary contribution to modern pentathlon over many years. Their leadership, expertise and passion have supported athletes from grassroots through to the international stage and helped build the sport into what it is today. This recognition as Life Members is both fitting and richly deserved.”

MPA acknowledges and thanks Ms Chiller and Ms Thompson for their exceptional service and enduring legacy in modern pentathlon.