PENTATHLON

CONTENTS

• WHAT IS PENTATHLON?

• HISTORY

• HOW TO PLAY?

WHAT IS PENTATHLON?

A pentathlon is a contest featuring five events. The name is derived from Greek: combining the words pente (five) and -athlon (competition) (Greek: πένταθλον). The first pentathlon was documented in Ancient Greece and was part of the Ancient Olympic Games. Five events were contested over one day for the Ancient Olympic pentathlon, starting with the long jump, javelin throwing, and discus throwing, followed by the stadion (a short foot race) and wrestling. Pentathletes were considered to be among the most skilled athletes, and their training was often part of military service—each of the five events in the pentathlon was thought to be useful in war or battle. A pentathlon is a contest featuring five events. The name is derived from Greek: combining the words pente (five) and -athlon (competition) (Greek: πένταθλον). The first pentathlon was documented in Ancient Greece and was part of the Ancient Olympic Games. Five events were contested over one day for the Ancient Olympic pentathlon, starting with the long jump, javelin throwing, and discus throwing, followed by the stadion (a short foot race) and wrestling. Pentathletes were considered to be among the most skilled athletes, and their training was often part of military service—each of the five events in the pentathlon was thought to be useful in war or battle.

HISTORY

The first documented pentathlon occurred in 708 BC in Ancient Greece at the Ancient Olympic Games, and was also held at the other Panhellenic Games. The name derives from Greek words for "five competitions". The event proved popular and lent itself to illustrations on pottery. It also featured in Greek mythology; the mythical hero Perseus fulfilled an oracle's prophecy by accidentally killing Acrisius with a discus while competing in the pentathlon. In mythology, Jason is credited with inventing the pentathlon, and he declared his friend Peleus the first winner of the event, after his victory in the wrestling. The wide variety of skills needed to compete meant that pentathletes were held in high esteem as physical specimens: in Rhetoric, Aristotle remarked "a body capable of enduring all efforts, either of the racecourse or of bodily strength...This is why the athletes in the pentathlon are most beautiful". 1912 Olympic gold medal winner Ferdinand Bie referenced that story after completing the events. The modern pentathlon, based on the skills (fencing, shooting, swimming, running, and horseback riding) needed by a battlefield courier, was first included in the Olympic Games of 1912, and it was a team event from 1952 to 1992. In 2000 it became a women’s event in the Olympics. Originally a five-day contest, the modern pentathlon was shortened to four days in 1984 and to one day in 1996.  Pentathlon is an evolving sport, and Modern Pentathlon Federation has to find new ways to keep the sport relevant to the current audience. Combining cross country and shooting was an effort to add a challenge to the disciplines and create more interest. Laser-run competitions are tough and are the primary determinant when it comes to winning modern pentathlon competitions. Overall, Modern Pentathlon Federation has done an excellent job of keeping modern pentathlons relevant. An athletics pentathlon event for women was introduced at the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, featuring the 80 meters hurdles, shot put and high jump on the first day, with long jump, and 200 meters on the second day. The 1976 and 1980 Summer Olympics versions changed the format from 80 to 100 meters hurdles, and 200 to 800 meters. The event was discontinued in 1984, when it was replaced by the heptathlon.

HOW TO PLAY?

To take part in the Modern Pentathlon, a person has to know Fencing, Swimming, Show Jumping, Shooting and must be acquainted with running. For Fencing, one has to use the epee, which is the sword with which the participant has to touch the opponent. The whole body is a valid target, but touching with only the tip of the epee counts as a point. It is important to wear all the protective equipment before starting the game. In Swimming, the participant can choose any swimming style but must adhere to it all through the event. Modern Pentathlon is a rigorous test of athletes all-around abilities and the participant with the most overall skills wins the game. It is a fascinating tournament of connecting one to the roots of survival and giving the participants a chance to get in touch with their instincts. 토토사이트웹