Pentathlon

A pentathlon is a contest with five different sports. The word comes from the Greek words for five and contest. Athletes must be good at many things, not just one. The modern pentathlon is an Olympic sport. It was invented to test the skills of a soldier long ago.

The Five Sports

The modern pentathlon has five parts. They are fencing, swimming, horseback riding, running, and shooting. Athletes do all five in one or two days. The last two, running and shooting, are combined into one event. The athlete with the most points wins.

Ancient and Modern

The old Greek pentathlon had different sports. It had running, jumping, discus, spear throwing, and wrestling. It was a main event at the ancient Olympic Games. The modern version was created by a man named Pierre de Coubertin. He also helped start the modern Olympics in 1896.

Fun Facts

• The modern pentathlon first appeared at the 1912 Olympics.
• Athletes only meet their horse 20 minutes before the riding event.
• The winner of a pentathlon is called a pentathlete.

Did You Know?

The ancient Greeks believed the pentathlon made the best all-around athlete because it tested so many different skills.