At a meeting on September 27 in Lausanne in Switzerland, the GAISF Council approved the World Obstacle's application for observership.

World Obstacle, also known as the International Obstacle Sports Federation, was founded in 2014 and formalised in 2018, when it laid out a governance structure.

"We are honoured to be awarded observer status by GAISF," said World Obstacle President Ian Adamson.

"This is a critical step in the growth of the sport globally. 

"On behalf of World Obstacle, I would like to thank GAISF President Raffaele Chiulli, the GAISF Council and the entire GAISF family for their guidance and support. 

"With this important step, we are motivated to continue the development of obstacle sports for our national federation members and their communities."

World Obstacle has the mission of unifying and developing obstacle sports across the globe.

It oversees disciplines including ninja, obstacle course racing and adventure racing.

International Federations (IF) with observer status are able to attend the GAISF General Assembly - scheduled to be online on November 12 this year - with the status acting as a bridge towards full membership of the organisation.

GAISF comprises of Olympic and non-Olympic IFs and is regarded as one of the first points of contact towards any sport's potential Olympic recognition.

"I am delighted that the GAISF Council has granted observer status to World Obstacle," added Chiulli. 

"The decision is a clear reflection of the growth of obstacle sports worldwide, in addition to World Obstacle’s tireless efforts to promote these sports, its member federations and their athlete members. 

"This is an exciting time for World Obstacle and we will do everything within our remit to help them develop as an IF and bring obstacle sports to even more people across the globe."