The sport of Modern Pentathlon has been called the "true Olympic sport" and the "sport that most accurately conveys the ideals of Olympism." It has a long and distinguished history; with its unique Olympic foundation it's understandable that there are many facets that define and comprise this sport. From its leadership role in the Olympic movement, to the statutes and rules that guide its operation, to the organization that keeps it moving progressively forward, Modern Pentathlon, represented in all corners of the world, is steeped in culture and cultivated in the Olympic spirit.
Modern Pentathlon is an educational sport. This was the primary wish of its creator, Pierre de Coubertin. A complete sport, on the physical side - Swimming & Running are the basic disciplines; on the mental side – Shooting requires stress control and a precise technique; on the intellectual side – Fencing requires adaptability and intelligence; Riding an unknown horse requires a mix of adaptability, self-control and courage.
Modern Pentathlon is present in more than 100 National federations throughout the five continents. During the past years the number of countries and continents achieving medals at World Championships has dramatically increased. Modern Pentathlon is already included in Regional Games such as Asian Games, Pan American Games, Central American and Caribbean Games. As membership continues to grow, plans are to be included also in Balkan Games, Mediterranean Games, etc.
Competition
Previously held over four to five days, Modern Pentathlon's current "One Day" format with a very exciting final handicap run has resulted in a better understanding on the part of spectators. Pentathletes achieve points in each discipline according to their performance. Shooting comes first; the pentathletes have 40 seconds to fire 20 shots from an air pistol at a 17cm-square target from 10 metres. Fencing follows, with a round-robin competition between each participant. Swimming is third, a freestyle race over 200 metres, with athletes seeded in heats according to their personal best times.
The pentathletes then head to the show jumping ring, where they have 20 minutes warm up on a horse drawn by lot before completing an obstacle course of between 350-450m in length and including 12 obstacles with one double and one triple, for 15 jumps . The final event is the 3000m run, with a handicap start according to the points total of the athletes after the first four events. Competitors set off at intervals which correspond in seconds to the Pentathlon points difference between themselves and the athlete in front. The first athlete across the finish line wins the gold medal.
Both women and men compete in this sport.
(BOCOG)