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What is Modern Pentathlon?

Modern Pentathlon has a long and illustrious history Modern Pentathlon is a multi-discipline sport consisting of five events of fencing, show jumping, air pistol shooting, cross country running and swimming. It is a sport which requires a high level of dedication, patience, physical fitness and time. Those who enjoy success are regarded as having demonstrated all-round physical strength, stamina and skill.

The Pentathlon was originally the climax of the classical Olympic Games, the five events then being the discus, javelin, running, jumping and wrestling. Baron Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympic movement, had a vision of reviving this test of the complete athlete. Based on the skills and endurance of a King’s messenger crossing hostile lands, the five totally different events of Modern Pentathlon came together and the new sport was born for the Stockholm Games of 1912.

More recently, the sport has evolved to meet demands by the International Olympic Committee in that it has become less complex and more attractive to TV. A new one-day format has been adopted to increase viewers.