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Paris Olympics: What to know and who to watch during the modern pentathlon competition

The article from Republic World titled "Paris Olympics: What to Know and Who to Watch During the Modern Pentathlon Competition" provides a comprehensive overview of the modern pentathlon event at the Paris Olympics. The modern pentathlon, a sport that combines five different disciplines, is set to be a highlight of the Games. The article delves into the history, format, and key athletes to watch in this unique Olympic event.

History and Evolution of Modern Pentathlon

The modern pentathlon was introduced at the 1912 Stockholm Olympics by Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympic Games. The sport was designed to reflect the skills required by a 19th-century cavalry soldier: fencing, swimming, equestrian show jumping, pistol shooting, and cross-country running. Over the years, the format has evolved to make the sport more spectator-friendly and competitive.

Initially, the events were spread over several days, but since the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, all five events have been condensed into a single day. This change has added to the intensity and excitement of the competition. The shooting and running events were combined into a single event called the laser-run in 2009, further streamlining the competition.

Format of the Modern Pentathlon at the Paris Olympics

At the Paris Olympics, the modern pentathlon will follow the current format, with all five events taking place over one day. The order of the events is fencing, swimming, equestrian, and finally, the laser-run. Each event contributes points to the athletes' overall score, with the highest scorer at the end of the day declared the winner.

Fencing: The fencing event is a round-robin competition where each athlete faces every other competitor in a one-minute bout. The winner of each bout scores a point, and the athlete with the most points at the end of the round-robin advances to the next round. In case of a tie, a playoff is conducted.

Swimming: The swimming event is a 200-meter freestyle race. The time taken by each athlete is converted into points, with faster times earning more points. The conversion is based on a standard table, ensuring fairness across different heats.

Equestrian: The equestrian event involves show jumping, where athletes ride unfamiliar horses over a course of 12 to 15 obstacles. The course must be completed within a set time, and penalties are incurred for knocking down obstacles or exceeding the time limit. The athletes draw lots to determine which horse they will ride, adding an element of unpredictability to the event.

Laser-Run: The laser-run combines shooting and running into a single event. Athletes complete a 3,200-meter run, stopping at four shooting stations along the way. At each station, they must hit five targets with a laser pistol before continuing the run. The laser-run is the final event of the day, and the athlete with the highest combined score from all events is declared the winner.

Key Athletes to Watch

The article highlights several athletes who are expected to perform well at the Paris Olympics. These athletes have shown exceptional skill and consistency in previous competitions and are considered strong contenders for the gold medal.

Joe Choong (Great Britain): Joe Choong is the reigning Olympic champion, having won gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Known for his versatility across all five events, Choong is a strong favorite to defend his title. His performance in the laser-run is particularly noteworthy, as he has consistently posted fast times while maintaining accuracy in shooting.

Laura Asadauskaitė (Lithuania): Laura Asadauskaitė is a two-time Olympic medalist, having won gold at the 2012 London Olympics and silver at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Her strength lies in her fencing and swimming events, where she has consistently performed at a high level. Asadauskaitė's experience and skill make her a formidable competitor in Paris.

Alexander Lesun (Russia): Alexander Lesun is another Olympic champion, having won gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Known for his strong performances in the equestrian and laser-run events, Lesun is a versatile athlete who can challenge for the top spot. However, his participation in the Paris Olympics is subject to the ongoing geopolitical situation and the decisions of the International Olympic Committee.

Elodie Clouvel (France): Elodie Clouvel, a silver medalist at the 2016 Rio Olympics, is a home favorite in Paris. Her strength in the fencing and swimming events, combined with her ability to perform well in the laser-run, makes her a strong contender for a medal. Clouvel's familiarity with the local conditions and the support of the home crowd could give her an edge.

Jun Woong-tae (South Korea): Jun Woong-tae is a rising star in the modern pentathlon world, having won multiple medals at the World Championships. His strong performances in the swimming and laser-run events have marked him as a potential medalist in Paris. Jun's youth and determination make him an exciting athlete to watch.

Challenges and Opportunities

The modern pentathlon faces several challenges and opportunities as it heads into the Paris Olympics. One of the main challenges is maintaining the sport's relevance and appeal to a broader audience. The complexity of the sport, with its five different disciplines, can be daunting for new fans. However, the condensed format and the excitement of the laser-run have helped to make the sport more accessible and engaging.

Another challenge is the equestrian event, which has faced criticism due to the unpredictability of the horses and concerns about animal welfare. The Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne (UIPM) has taken steps to address these concerns, including implementing stricter rules and better training for the horses. The equestrian event remains a unique and challenging part of the modern pentathlon, and its inclusion continues to be a topic of debate.

On the other hand, the modern pentathlon offers significant opportunities for growth and development. The sport's inclusion in the Olympics provides a global platform for athletes to showcase their skills and for the sport to gain new fans. The UIPM has also been working to expand the sport's reach, with initiatives to introduce modern pentathlon to new countries and regions.

The Paris Olympics will be a crucial moment for the modern pentathlon, as it seeks to build on its Olympic legacy and attract a new generation of athletes and fans. The athletes competing in Paris will not only be vying for Olympic glory but also helping to shape the future of the sport.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the modern pentathlon at the Paris Olympics promises to be an exciting and competitive event. With its rich history, unique format, and talented athletes, the sport continues to captivate audiences around the world. The article from Republic World provides a detailed look at what to expect from the modern pentathlon in Paris, highlighting the key athletes to watch and the challenges and opportunities facing the sport. As the Olympics approach, fans can look forward to a thrilling display of athleticism and versatility in the modern pentathlon.

Read the Full RepublicWorld Article at:
[ https://www.republicworld.com/sports/paris-olympics/paris-olympics-what-to-know-and-who-to-watch-during-the-modern-pentathlon-competition ]