modern pentathlon

American  

noun

1. an athletic contest comprising five different events, a 300-meter freestyle swim, a 4,000-meter cross-country run, a 5,000-meter equestrian steeplechase, épée fencing, and pistol target-shooting at 25 meters, the winner being the contestant with the highest total score.

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modern pentathlon British  

noun

1. an athletic contest consisting of five different events: horse riding with jumps, fencing with electric épée, freestyle swimming, pistol shooting, and cross-country running

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Etymology

Origin of modern pentathlon

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

"That's how they're drawing very capable athletes in, and you pair that with phenomenal coaching and great funding," said Yarnold, a former heptathlete who wanted to take up modern pentathlon.

From BBC • Feb. 14, 2026

Great Britain's defending Olympic champion Kate French has withdrawn from the modern pentathlon final in Paris because of illness.

From BBC • Aug. 11, 2024

Last year, Olympic officials met to decide the fate of modern pentathlon, a sport that for more than a century has combined running, swimming, fencing, shooting and equestrian show jumping.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 9, 2024

There will be seven other training sites dedicated to specific disciplines like weightlifting, modern pentathlon, fencing and wheelchair basketball.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 28, 2024

Nine sports will offer qualification spots for the Olympics - archery, artistic swimming, boxing, breaking, hockey, modern pentathlon, sailing, tennis, and water polo.

From Washington Times • Sep. 23, 2023