(Modern Pentathlon)

The modern pentathlon is a sports contest consisting of 5 events, hence the name pentathlon. The events are epee fencing, pistol shooting, swimming, a show jumping course on horseback, and a cross-country run.

The event was first contested at the 1912 Olympic Games, and has been on the Olympic programme ever since. A team event was added in 1952 and an event for women in 2000. In non-Olympic years, a World Championship is held, instigated in 1949.

Competitions at the Olympic games are individual Men and individual Women.