Matouš Tůma Achieves Success in Modern Pentathlon

Matouš Tůma, a graduate of the Faculty of Chemical Engineering at the University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague (UCT Prague), and a member of the Czech national modern pentathlon team, finished eighth at the Modern Pentathlon World Cup in Budapest in June, followed by seventh place at the World Cup Final. His story demonstrates that, with careful planning and strong institutional support, it is possible to combine a demanding engineering degree with elite-level sport.

These results add to an impressive list of achievements for the Czech athlete. According to the Czech Modern Pentathlon Association, his most notable accomplishments include a gold medal in the relay event at the 2025 European Championships in Madrid, a bronze medal in the relay at the 2022 World Championships in Alexandria, and a bronze medal in the team competition at the 2025 European Championships.

Modern pentathlon now consists of five highly diverse disciplines: épée fencing, obstacle course racing (OCR), swimming, and the laser run, which combines running with laser pistol shooting. Tůma identifies fencing as one area where he still sees room for improvement.

"Overall, I was pleased with my performance in Budapest, but to achieve an even better result I would have needed a stronger fencing performance," he said.

His performance in Budapest confirmed that he ranks among the Czech athletes capable of competing successfully at the international level. At the same time, he notes that the recently introduced OCR discipline has become one of his strengths.

"We've had the new OCR discipline for the second year now, and I think I've improved enough to gain an advantage over the average competitor," said Ing. Tůma.

Sporting success, however, is only one part of his story. Matouš Tůma is also a graduate of UCT Prague, having completed his Master's degree at the Faculty of Chemical Engineering in the summer semester of 2025. He studied Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering at the Department of Chemical Engineering, where, under the supervision of Professor Přibyl, he conducted research on transport phenomena and electrophoresis.

In recognition of his outstanding ability to combine studies at UCT Prague with representing the Czech Republic at the highest level of international sport, he received the Rector's Award for 2024.

"I was really pleased that during the live broadcast the commentators mentioned that I had graduated from UCT Prague. I think it's important for people to know that even demanding universities like UCT Prague can be successfully combined with elite sport," Tůma said, referring to the Budapest broadcast.

His season continues with the European Championships in Turkey and the World Championships in China.

Supporting Dual Careers through the UNIS Programme

The UNIS Programme, established by the Czech Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, supports selected elite athletes pursuing university education. The programme aims to provide consistent support, improve study conditions for student-athletes, and raise awareness of university sport.

UCT Prague has long supported the dual careers of student-athletes and strives to help elite competitors successfully balance academic and sporting commitments. Information about the programme is provided by the University's Department of Physical Education and Sport, including eligibility criteria, benefits, opportunities for adapting study requirements, contact information for the programme coordinator, and other available support.

For students competing at the highest sporting level, early communication is essential—ideally before the beginning of the semester or before competitions and training camps begin to overlap with classes, coursework, or examinations. The Department of Physical Education and Sport and the UNIS Programme coordinator serve as the primary points of contact, followed by communication with the faculty's study office, programme guarantor, and individual instructors.

Matouš Tůma is far from the only example of a successful student-athlete at UCT Prague. Alongside students participating in the UNIS Programme, the university has also educated Olympians, including rowers Jiří Šimánek and Jan Cincibuch, as well as cross-country skier Petra Nováková.

Matouš Tůma's story is more than a report on sporting success. It is a compelling example that demanding engineering studies and elite sport are not mutually exclusive—provided students are able to plan effectively, communicate openly, and receive support from an environment committed to helping them succeed.