Modern Pentathlon

A day of modern pentathlon begins with fencing, followed by a 200m swim. After that, athletes compete in a showjumping round with a horse selected at random, you never ride your own horse.

Get Involved

An Overview of Modern Pentathlon

Modern pentathlon is the only sport created by the founder of the modern Olympics specifically for its inclusion in the Games.

A day of modern pentathlon begins with fencing, followed by a 200m swim. After that, athletes compete in a showjumping round with a horse selected at random, you never ride your own horse. The finale is a combined run-and-shoot similar to the winter sport of biathlon, in which athletes must run a short course intertwined with a shooting station.

Benefits

Fencing is great for all-round fitness, muscle toning, building core strength, coordination and balance.
Running helps lower blood pressure through strengthening the heart, builds stamina, burns extra calories, improves bone density and tones muscles.
Swimming aids the healthy functioning of the heart, lungs and circulatory systems.

Involvement

For those wanting to get started in England, Northern Ireland or Wales, find the appropriate home country or regional contact on the Pentathlon GB website. You do not have to take part in all disciplines to take part in modern pentathlon events. The Modern Pentathlon Association arranges events for just two disciplines, run and swim (biathlon and biathle) through to competitions involving all five disciplines.

Adaptations and Equipment

5 sports means 5 sets of equipment.

For Shooting normal sportswear and pistol is needed.
For Fencing specialist protective fencing clothing is needed.
For Equestrian you will need a riding helmet, appropriate footwear, trousers/jodhpurs.
For Running general running gear & trainers is all that is needed.
For Swimming you need swimming costume, hat and goggles.

Facts

The pentathlon has changed considerably it used to consist of running, jumping, spear throwing, discus and wrestling. The modern pentathlon was introduced by Baron de Coubertin at the Stockholm Games in 1912, comprising pistol shooting, fencing, swimming, horse riding and running.

Events

SASP Sport Welfare Officers Forum

A online meeting for Sports Club Welfare & Safeguarding Officers based in Somerset.

You're invited to attend our club welfare forum for anyone involved in sport and physical activity in Somerset, but in particular those in your clubs who hold the role of 'club welfare officer' or 'safeguarding lead'.

If you're the Safeguarding or Welfare Officer at your Sports Club, please join Tracey Sweetland, Somerset Sport Welfare Officer at SASP to learn about local support and opportunities to assist you in your volunteer role.

Modern Pentathlon