The Pentathlon (consisting of running the length of a stadium, jumping, throwing a spear, throwing a discus and wrestling) was first introduced all the way back in the 18th Olympiad in 708 BC, and held a unique place in the Games – considered the climax, the winner was named ‘Victor Ludorum’. Modern Pentathlon was introduced at the 5th Olympiad in Stockholm back in 1912, comprising the contemporary sports of pistol shooting, fencing, swimming, horse riding and running, whilst embracing the spirit of its ancient counterpart. Pierre de Coubertin, known as the father of the modern Olympic Games, believed that the event ‘tested a man’s moral qualities as much as his physical resources and skills, producing thereby the ideal, complete athlete’. The Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne, building on this rich history, brings a sport for the 21st century – with the principles, values and the nature of the sporting challenge, however, remaining unchanged.
