Modern Pentathlon is an exciting, dynamic sport comprising the five events of running, riding, swimming, shooting and fencing. It was invented by Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympics, with the intention of mimicking the skills required by a 19th century military dispatch rider. Obviously, the requirements of an army officer have changed but the sport has remained an integral part of the Olympic Games since 1912. The five events are normally competed over 2 days, apart from at the Olympics when they take place in a single day. Scores from each event are added together to determine the overall winner.
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Swimming: 200m freestyle. A time of 2 minutes and 30 seconds scores 1000 points. 4 points per third of a second are added or subtracted for performances either side of that time. e.g. 2.29.6 gets 1004 points etc.
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Fencing: a series of one touch epee bouts against all other competitors. 70% victories scores 1000 points, the number of points added or deducted per hit either side of 70% depends on the number of competitors but is normally in the order of 30-40 points.
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Riding: Showjumping; 12 fences including a double and a treble. Horses are drawn at random and each rider has 20 minutes plus 4 practice fences to warm up. The scoring system is complicated but riders enter the arena with 1200 points and lose points for faults or for exceeding the standard time of the course.
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Combined event (Shooting/Running): As this is really two events, the combined event scores double. Similar to Biathlon, pentathletes run 20-30m into the range, shoot down 5 targets with an air-pistol at 10m, run a 1000m loop and shoot down 5 more targets, run the loop and shoot the targets again then run 1000m to the finish. A time of 12.30 seconds scores 2000 points.
Oxford Uni Modern Pentathlon Association
Oxford University Modern Pentathlon Club welcomes members of all levels. Some take up pentathlon having never done any of the sports, others come from backgrounds in running, swimming, riding or fencing, and some cross over from Pony Club Tetrathlon. The club caters for complete beginners and experienced competitors alike and has had great success right up to international level; ex Oxford pentathletes Steph Cook and Emily de Riel took Olympic gold and silver in the women’s event at Sydney 2000 and the club has produced several other international athletes.
The club takes part in several competitions throughout the year; travelling to national or regional competitions and also organising at least one competition a term in Oxford. BUCS championships are also rather conveniently always held in Oxford. Have a look at the calendar to see what is going on! All these competitions build up to the Varsity Match against Cambridge in early April which takes place over three days at either Bradfield College or Tonbridge School. Teams for Varsity consist of 6 men and 6 women plus 3 reserves who compete in their own match comprising swimming and the combined event.
The club also organises lots of social events throughout the year; these range from routine Wednesday night socials and post competition dinners, to trips away from oxford to take part in competitions or go on training camp. Have a look at the contacts link if you’re keen to give it a go.
Maillist
Send a blank e-mail to oumpa-subscribe@maillist.ox.ac.uk
