The Modern Pentathlon was introduced in the 1912 Olympics by Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympic games, who took inspiration from the original Pentathlon, which was introduced at the 18th Olympiad in 708 BC.
It is a complete sport which covers five disciplines:
• running and swimming: requiring speed, strength and stamina;
• fencing: adaptability, skill and intelligence;
• shooting: self-control, balance and precision;
• riding (an unknown horse): adaptability, technique and courage.
"De Coubertin believed that it 'tested a man's moral qualities as much as his physical resources and skills, producing thereby the ideal, complete athlete."
The one-day event was a sell-out event at the Sydney Olympics in 2000: 15,000 spectators enjoyed the drama of five different events, culminating in a staggered start in the last event, the three kilometre run, so that the first athlete to finish is the Olympic champion.
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