multisports

Multisports is a term used to describe activities, competitions, and training approaches that involve more than one sport or discipline. It can refer to events that combine several sports into a single program, as well as to programs that promote broad athletic development by training across multiple sports.

Common multisport events include triathlon (swimming, cycling, running), modern pentathlon (fencing, swimming, equestrian show jumping, pistol shooting, cross-country running), decathlon (ten track-and-field events) and heptathlon (seven track-and-field events). At higher levels, multisport competitions bring together numerous sports, such as the Olympic Games or regional multi-sport championships. In schools and clubs, multisport programs offer exposure to multiple disciplines to develop general athletic skills.

Rules for multisport events are defined by sport-specific federations. The triathlon is governed by World Triathlon; modern pentathlon by UIPM; decathlon and heptathlon fall under the broader governance of World Athletics and its event committees.

Participants range from elite national teams to recreational athletes. Benefits often cited include broad motor-skill development, cross-training advantages, and reduced risk of overuse injury from early specialization. Critics note the demands of training for multiple disciplines and the logistical complexity of organizing events.

History: Multisport traditions date back to ancient festivals and military competitions. The modern pentathlon was introduced to the Olympic program in 1912. The popularity of multisport events grew with triathlon’s emergence in the 1980s and 1990s, alongside established decathlon and heptathlon formats in track and field.