Olympic Games

Modern Pentathlon at the Olympics

The Pentathlon was an ancient Greek athletics event consisting of five competitions each representing techniques useful in battle. (more about ancient Olympic events)
The five events of the ancient Pentathlon were:
- Long Jump - like modern triple jump, using weights as a counterbalance
- Javelin - A leather strap was used to throw the javelin
- Discus - five throws, furthest wins
- Wrestling - same rules as modern equivalent
- Stadion - a short sprint foot race of about 180 metres, the winner was the champion of the games

The sport of Modern Pentathlon includes five events held over two days. These events combine all of the aspects of traditional combat: mastery of the sword, precision marksmanship, ability to control cavalry both in the confines of the arena and in the cross-country, and the physical stamina to cross many miles of both land and water.
The events are:

Shooting - a 4.5mm air pistol at a 10 metre distance, 20 shots
Fencing - using the epee in a round-robin competition
Swimming - 200m freestyle
Riding - Show jumping, 350-450 metre course with 12-15 obstacles
Running - 3000m cross-country course. In this final event, the competitors start with time penalties according to how many points they scored in previous events, with the leader starting first. The first athlete across the line is the winner overall.

In Mexico City 1968, Swedish pentathlete Hans-Grunner Liljenwall is the first to be disqualified for drug use, having tested positive for excessive alcohol (more firsts).

Pentathlon was an event at the ancient Olympic Games
See more about the Olympic Games indvidual sports of Fencing, Swimming, Shooting, Equestrian and Athletics
List of Olympic Sports