2017 USA Pentathlon Nationals Set For June

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

The Pentathlon in Ancient Greece (consisting of running the length of the stadium, jumping, throwing the spear, throwing the discus and wrestling) was introduced for the first time at the 18th Olympiad in 708 BC and held a position of unique importance in the Games. Modern Pentathlon continues traditions of skills for warriors and includes fencing, swimming, horse riding, shooting and running. Since 2012, shooting and running are combined in one event called Laser Run (pentathletes are using laser pistols for this event).

Modern Pentathlon is one of the oldest Olympic sports. It was included in modern Olympics in 1912. This new sport was enthusiastically adopted with its inherent demands of courage, co-ordination, physical fitness, self-discipline and flexibility in ever changing circumstances. A young American Lieutenant, later to be the famous World War II General, George S. Patton, was to finish fifth in the first ever Olympic Modern Pentathlon competition.

USA Pentathlon is going to host 2017 National Championships at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs from June 17th to 25th. The program includes several pentathlon events, such as Pentathlon (individual events and relays), Laser Run, Biathle, and Triathle.

Senior, Junior and Masters compete all Pentathlon events: round robin one-touch fencing, swimming 200 m freestyle, 15 jumps on a horse, and Laser Run of 4 x (5 hits with a laser pistol + 800 m run). Youth athletes (under 19) compete in four events (no horse riding). There several Youth categories – U17, U15, U13, and U11. Younger athletes compete over shorter distances. See more information at USA Pentathlon website www.usapentathlon.org

Biathle is a sub sport of Modern Pentathlon. It involves a 1500 m run, 200 m swim, and 1500 m run. The legs are raced with continuous transitions like triathlon.

Prior to USA Pentathlon National Championships, athletes are going to have a training camp which runs from June 1st, and coaches will participate at the clinic on June 15th-17th. Coaches from various sports are invited for a free clinic to learn more about the sport of pentathlon. To register for a camp or clinic, please contact USA Pentathlon at slabianco@usapentathlon.org

The full schedule of USA Pentathlon National Championships:

  • Training camp for athletes – June 1-21
  • Coaches clinic – June 15-17
  • Junior/Senior/Masters Pentathlon National Championships – June 17-19
  • Laser Run/Biathle/Triathle National Championships – June 20-21
  • Youth Pentathlon National Championships – June 23-25

See more information about the 2015 USA Pentathlon Nationals 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). See event calendar at USA Pentathlon website. If you are interested to learn more about Modern Pentathlon, please contact High Performance Director Dr. Genadijus Sokolovas at gsokolovas@gmail.com.

Press release courtesy of USA Pentathlon. 

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