pentathlon

Pentathlon is a sport that combines five different events into one competition. The word derives from the Greek pente, meaning five, and athlón, meaning contest. The term is used for both the ancient and the modern versions of the sport, which differ in format, equipment, and objectives.

Ancient pentathlon refers to a five-event contest in classical Greece, part of the Olympic program from around the 5th century BCE. The events were stadion (a short foot race), the long jump, the javelin throw, the discus throw, and wrestling. The discipline was intended to test a range of athletic skills, and successful competitors were celebrated across the Greek world.

Modern pentathlon was introduced by Baron Pierre de Coubertin in the late 19th century to resemble the experience of a versatile courier in a military campaign. It is governed by the Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne (UIPM). The contemporary program consists of four segments that together cover five traditional disciplines: fencing (one-touch épée bouts), swimming (200 meters freestyle), equestrian show jumping (on unfamiliar horses), and the final laser-run, a combined running and laser pistol shooting event. Points earned in the initial events determine the starting positions for the laser-run, so the first to cross the finish line during the final segment is the overall winner.

The modern pentathlon is featured at the Olympic Games since 1912 and is also contested at world championships and other international events. The UIPM oversees professional and amateur competition, setting rules, formats, and eligibility to promote the sport’s versatility and accessibility worldwide.