An unusual Olympic sport of Modern Pentathlon will complete its century at London Olympics 2012. The Modern Pentathlon is a blending of five events such as epee fencing (at Copper Box - Olympic Park ), pistol shooting, 200 m freestyle swimming (Aquatics Centre - Olympic Park ), a show jumping course on horseback (Greenwich Park), and a cross-country run. These events are scheduled for 2 days, from Saturday 11 to Sunday 12 August, 2012. There will be 2 medal events and 72 athletes (36 men, 36 women) will participate in these. The modern pentathlon was introduced by the Baron Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympic Games. The multifarious characteristic of this sport demands multi-talents from each of the athletes such as physical fitness, stamina, perseverance and mental and technical abilities such as attention and swiftness. Women entered the sport of Modern Pentathlon in Olympic Games for the first time at Sydney 2000, where Team GB's Stephanie Cook and Kate Allenby won gold and bronze respectively.
Modern Pentathlon Events at London Olympics 2012
There will be two events at Modern Pentathlon at London Olympics 2012
Just imagine a fencer, swimmer, rider, shooter, and runner - all in one! This is the magic of Modern Pentathlon events that are scheduled in London 2012 Olympics. Read this article to explore more!
Schedule Of Modern Pentathlon Events
- Men's modern pentathlon
- Women's modern pentathlon
Schedule of Modern Pentathlon Events in London 2012 Olympics
| Date | Time | Event | Round |
| August 11, 2012, Saturday | 09:00 - 19:25 | Men's Modern Pentathlon | fencing (Copper Box); swimming (Aquatics Centre); riding, combined event, victory ceremony (Greenwich Park) |
| 15:10 - 19:25 | Men's Modern Pentathlon | riding, combined event, victory ceremony (Greenwich Park) | |
| August 12, 2012, Sunday | 08:00 - 18:40 | Women's Modern Pentathlon | fencing (Copper Box); swimming (Aquatics Centre); riding, combined event, victory ceremony (Greenwich Park) |
| 14:00 - 18:40 | Women's Modern Pentathlon | riding, combined event, victory ceremony (Greenwich Park) |
The Game
The first sport in Modern Pentathlon is fencing, for which athletes are required to fence against every other athlete. The fencing is then trailed by swimming (200m freestyle) and riding (jumping over a 12-jump course). Athletes are scored for each element of the competition. After the first three elements, the athletes' total scores are converted into a time handicap. The handicap determines the starting times for the combined run/shoot element, for which athletes are required to shoot at sets of five targets after running several stretches of 1,000m. The winner of the competition is the one who crosses the finish line first!
The first sport in Modern Pentathlon is fencing, for which athletes are required to fence against every other athlete. The fencing is then trailed by swimming (200m freestyle) and riding (jumping over a 12-jump course). Athletes are scored for each element of the competition. After the first three elements, the athletes' total scores are converted into a time handicap. The handicap determines the starting times for the combined run/shoot element, for which athletes are required to shoot at sets of five targets after running several stretches of 1,000m. The winner of the competition is the one who crosses the finish line first!