Nathan Schrimsher – First U.S. Pentathlete to Qualify for 2016 Rio Olympics (Photo Gallery)

Jul 19, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Nathan Schrimsher of the United States celebrates after placing third in the modern pentathlon during the 2015 Pan Am Games at Pan Am Aquatics UTS Centre and Field House. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports

Photo Courtesy: Rob Schumacher/USA Today Sports Images

Editorial Coverage Sponsored By FINIS

By Genadijus Sokolovas

US Army Specialist Nathan Schrimsher, Roswell, NM won the bronze medal at the Pan American Games and became the first American pentathlete to qualify for the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil. US Army Sergeant Dennis Bowsher, Dallas, TX finished in 10th place. Both athletes are members of the US Army’s World Class Athlete Program (WCAP). Nathan and Dennis are resident athletes at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.

Pentathletes around the world began qualification competitions for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. The Pan American Games is the first competition for US athletes to compete for Olympic spots. Twenty-nine pentathletes from 15 countries competed at this event.

In the first event, fencing both Dennis and Nathan got off to a slow start. Nathan quickly found the distance and became very decisive. Nathan finished very strong 8 victories and 1 defeat for the final 5 rounds.

In the second event, swimming, Nathan swam very strong leading the competition from the dive to the finish, winning the important second event. He won swimming event 200 meters freestyle in 2:00.59 just missing his lifetime best. Dennis finished 7^th in swimming event with 2:06.10.

With riding the next event, a torrential rain came down between the first and second group halting the action. Both Dennis and Nathan rode in the second group after a 40 minute rain delay. Dennis was the first on the course after the rain. Both Nathan and Dennis rode well, scoring a solid amount of points. Nathan was 4th having only 3 knockdowns; Dennis was 8th.

Finishing with the combined event, Nathan put together flawless shooting and an excellent race strategy. He was second going into the combined and knew there were 4 great runners not very far behind. Nathan was smart and kept a steady pace for the first two laps. As the runner in 4th was just about the close the gap Nathan poured on the speed and kept an 8 second gap between them. All day Nathan was calm and ready and showed the poise of an Olympian.

See more information about the results at the Pan American Games at www.usapentathlon.org. USA Pentathlon is seeking swimmers (girls and boys) who have background in running or other pentathlon events (fencing, shooting, and horse riding). Please, see event calendar at USA Pentathlon website.

Nathan Schrimsher Photo Gallery

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