modern pentathlon

The term "pentathlon" refers to an athletic contest featuring five distinct competitions. The ancient Greek pentathlon included a race, long jump, discus throw, javelin throw, and wrestling. This was adapted for modern track and field with a sprint, a longer run, and the other throwing and jumping events, and was part of the Olympics from 1912 to 1924.1

The modern pentathlon, introduced at the 1912 Olympics, is based on skills needed by a battlefield courier: fencing, shooting, swimming, running, and horseback riding. Originally a five-day event, it has been condensed and now includes a round-robin fencing tournament, a 200-meter freestyle swim, a show jumping competition with unfamiliar horses, and a combined shooting and running event. The first athlete to finish the final run wins. In 2000, it became a women's Olympic event.1