What is Modern Pentathlon: Everything About Objects and Rules
Are you an all-rounder sports person? If yes, then why don’t you try an interesting sports competition? Modern Pentathlon is a great multi-platform sports event, and it includes a total of five different sports. Moreover, all of these sports are so energetic that you will enjoy them while competing with the participants. The five different stages of this sport are
- First stage: Fencing
- Second stage: 200m swimming (freestyle)
- The third stage: show jumping
- Fourth stage: combined shooting
- Fifth stage: 3200m cross country
Modern Pentathlon is a popular sport all over the world. Every year many people try to be active participants in this sport. However, initially, this competition was organized for the cavalry troops only, but now everyone can participate. All of these five phases are organized on a single day. The athletes have to perform well in the first three stages because the other two stage’s rules are quite different. Moreover, based on their previous performance, the position is allotted for shooting or racing.
All the athletes work hard to prepare themselves for this competition. The one who does well in all the sports will be declared the winner of the whole competition. Now you must be craving to know what is Modern Pentathlon? Well here, this article will help you know all the necessary information about this sport. Continue reading this article, so don’t miss the objects, equipment, and modern Pentathlon rules.
What is Modern Pentathlon?
The modern pentathlon was introduced by Baron de Coubertin at the Stockholm Games in 1912 (Source). Modern Pentathlon is considered to have begun in the 19th century in Greece. Although many people have claimed that they have invented the sport and the controversy is still a topic of debate.
The events in this sport have been altered slightly over time, and till 1950 only cavalry troops can participate in this competition. Moreover, the Modern Pentathlon was designed to train the cavalry troops to simulate a soldier’s defense experience of escaping from the enemy lines. Initially, the soldiers were the only people considered to have enough skills to complete all these phases.
However, the modern pentathlon competition was opened for all men in 1952 and all women in 1981. Currently, Hungry is the world leader in the sport at the Olympics with 22 medals. Behind Hungary, Sweden is there in the game with 21 medals, the Soviet Union in total have 20 medals in which Russia has 5.
The object of the game
Modern Pentathlon is an active sport. It requires a good amount of energy and skill sets to complete the competition’s different sets of tasks. The game’s main objective is to perform well in the first three sports so you can attain the best possible position for the next two sports.
Shooting and racing are the endings or deciding sport of the competition. Moreover, a great starting position increases the chances of winning the game. A little forward position helps in winning the end race, which decides the winner of the game.
Player and Equipment
As the modern Pentathlon consists of five different sports, there is much equipment required for the competition. Here is the list of those equipment.
Fencing Equipment
Fencing is a sport that requires the most equipment in the game. This is a sport in which the athletes have to fight against another athlete in a sword battle. The sword is the main element of the sport, but athletes must wear some protective layers. However, you can not appear in the game without wearing protective layers, so you have to dress up from the bottom to the top.
The dress includes; a metal netmask to cover the face, a “Sous-Plastron” to wear under the arms, a thick kevlar jacket to protect the body, “breechers” to cover legs, thighs, and knees. Moreover, it would be best if you also had special shoes for the feet and gloves for your hand to hold the sword.
Swimming Equipment
In Modern Pentathlon, swimming is the most loving sport, and the equipment is also very basic in this sport. Generally, the athletes must have an aerodynamic swimsuit. Still, they are asked to wear glasses in this competition because they protect their eyes underwater and enhance their vision.
Moreover, the athletes can wear caps also, which can keep their hair packed. Sometimes the long hair comes in front of the face during the race, so that a cap can prevent this. If the athletes want, they can add a layer of trunks that can protect the groin area.
Show Jumping Equipment
For show jumping, you need some advanced and effective equipment because you have to control the horses in this sport. Moreover, horses’ movements are quite difficult to handle, so you have to prepare yourself with all the necessary resources.
The equipment which is required is:
- Horse track, including the saddles: The seat of the rider
- The stirrups: The footholds of the rider
- The halters: The headgear of the horse
- The reins: The leather strips which the rider pulls to change the horse’s direction
- The Martingale: A protecting device that resists the horse from getting out of control
Pistol Shooting
Pistol shooting is an interesting sport in Modern Pentathlon. There is an advantage in this sport that you can choose the pistol. Moreover, your own picked-up pistol is better for the shooting because it helps adjust direction by yourself.
However, there are many variants of the pistol like; revolvers, multi-barreled pistols, semi-automatic pistols. But these pistols have been replaced with laser pistols, and only these pistols are in use these days.
Cross Country Run Equipment
Running is a sport of the Modern Pentathlon which requires the least equipment. This is the best part of this final phase of the competition.
The athletes have to wear lightweight clothes ( vests and shorts) and airy-cross shoes. These shoes are made for racing purposes only. Moreover, you can cover a large area of the ground easily with the help of these shoes. The shoes have some tiny spikes at the base, which is beneficial for the grip while running.
Scoring
The scoring criteria are quite different in the Modern Pentathlon. Athletes earn points in the first three sports. The player with the maximum points gets the best starting position for their next two phases. The more points you score in fencing, swimming, and horse riding, the better you will achieve in further rounds.
In the final two rounds, the athletes do not have to earn the points; the one who will cross the finish line first will be declared the winner of the competition.
Winning
Modern Pentathlon is a competition that has different criteria for deciding the winner. Simultaneously, the player who cleared the first two rounds with better points has more chances of winning because they got the superior positions.
The athlete who reaches the finish line first in the final shooting or racing wins the game. So the athletes have to showcase their whole energy and enthusiasm in these final two rounds to win this stunning competition.
Rules of Modern Pentathlon
Modern Pentathlon consists of five different sports, and each sport has its own rules. So the athletes have to follow the different rules accordingly.
Fencing Rules
In Modern Pentathlon, athletes have to use an Epee with a 1 cm or less curve. Moreover, the Epee should not strike the opponent before a specific command, “Allez!” or the other command, “Halte!” is being announced on the speaker.
However, if you do so without the command, the penalties will be imposed on you.
Swimming Rules
The swimming rules are quite difficult in Modern Pentathlon. For the first 15 meters, the athletes have to swim underwater. Later on, after this time, all the athletes have to keep their bodies above the water surface.
The athletes have to touch the wall of the other side of the pool and then return to the starting position. Moreover, the athletes can not obstruct the other opponents in the pool while swimming.
Show Jumping Rules
The athletes have to be more respectful and patient during the show jumping round. A little professionalism is required in this sport of the Modern Pentathlon.
In this sport, you need to control the horse and give them direction. You have to stay with the horse in the court to compete. However, if athletes misbehave with the horses or torture them, they will be directly disqualified from the competition.
Shooting and Cross Country Racing Rules
Shooting and running are combined sports for the end of this competition. Also, you have to complete these rounds continuously without taking a break.
The athletes have to wait until the minimum shooting gets over at the pistol stage. Moreover, after that, you can start running for the cross country race, which is the competition’s final round. However, if any of the athletes tries to obstruct the others, they will get disqualified from the competition.
Final Words
Suppose you are a sports lover and want to participate in an amazing competition. TheModern Pentathlon is the perfect opportunity to showcase your skills. It is a great package of sports that requires great energy and skill set. Many athletes from all over the world participate in this competition to win the title. As now you know everything about the sport, you can also participate in the Pentathlon events. Leave your valuable comment if you find this article informative.
