Modern pentathlon has its origins in the ancient world. Back then it included running, discus and javelin throwing, long jumping and wrestling. Today the pentathlon consists of show jumping, fencing, running, swimming and shooting. Both men and women compete in the event.
A little history
The complex of sports disciplines that includes horseback riding, mastering the sword and pistol shooting began to be used to train officers back in the 19th century. The pioneers in this area were the Swedes, and then their experience was adopted by other countries. This complex was called “officers’ pentathlon. It was included in the Olympics in 1912 and became a permanent part of the Olympics.
In the 40s of the 20th century, the discipline was renamed into pentathlon. And in 1948 the International Modern Pentathlon Union began its work in the capital of Great Britain, which was renamed the International Federation 40 years later. Since 1949 world championships in pentathlon began to take place. The first was held in Stockholm.
For a long time, the Swedes traditionally won the championship in international competitions. But since 1950 they were squeezed by athletes from Hungary and the Soviet Union. They won several times in a row both in team and individual events.
For a long time, the discipline was considered only for men. Women’s International Championships have been held since 1981, and women’s teams have been competing in the Olympics only since 2000.
The modern Olympic program differs significantly from the original. The duration of the sword fight was reduced from 3 minutes to one, the racing course now has a length of 0.6 km. The disciplines during the competitions may alternate in any order, but all are held on the same day. The last athletes compete in cross-country and show jumping.
Rules
The Pentathlon is evaluated according to a scoring system: points are awarded to athletes for each discipline and then added together. The maximum number of points for show jumping is 1200, and for the other components of the program – 1000. If an athlete exceeds the set standard, he or she earns additional points. Accordingly, if he/she does not achieve the set result, he/she loses points. The athlete who earns the maximum number of points, gets the right to start first in the race.
Shooting
Competitors shoot with a 4.5 mm air pistol at a stationary target at a distance of 10 m. The target has a diameter of 155 mm and consists of 10 concentric circles, numbered 1 to 10. Which circle the athlete hits, that is the number of points he earns per shot. If he hits the separating strip between the circles, he scores more points.
They shoot from a standing position, holding the gun with one hand. And this is quite difficult, because despite the small mass of the gun (1.5 kg) it is not easy to hold it during the whole allotted time. And any devices that support the hand with the pistol when shooting are not allowed.
Swimming
The water course has a length of 200 meters. Free style is used to overcome it. The start is according to the ranking of the athletes. The pentathlon establishes a certain ratio of time and points in swimming: overcoming the distance in 2:30 minutes by athletes and 2:40 by athletes counts for 1000 credit points. For every 0.3 seconds above, an additional 4 points are added, and for every 0.3 below, the same number of points is deducted.
Fencing
Athletes fight each other with epee in a circular system. Duration of the fight is up to the first prick, the maximum time is 1 minute. You can aim at any part of the body of your opponent, the shot is recorded with special equipment. If no one is hit, no one is awarded the win.
The athlete receives points based on the number of wins. If he wins 70% of fights, he earns 1000 credit points. Winning a fight over the limit brings 28 extra points, and each defeat over the limit entails the removal of points in the same amount.
Cross Country
The race is held on a cross-country or stadium track. This is the last event in the order of precedence. The length of the route is 3 km (4 laps). Based on the number of points earned by athletes in previous events, the order of start for each participant is determined. The one who takes the leading position starts first, then the athlete who has shown the second result runs and then the same principle.
Based on the results of the race, the winner of the tournament is determined at once, there is no further recalculation of points. A joint start is also allowed. In this case 1000 valid points are awarded in a time of 10 min. for men and 11 min. 20 seconds for women. A lesser time adds points and a greater time takes away points accordingly.