Page 25 - Chiron Spring 2020

Firstly, what is modern pentathlon? Modern pentathlon comprises of five sports; fencing (one-touch épée), swimming (200m freestyle), showjumping (random horse allocation, 15m warm-up and 15 jumps), running and shooting (4*shoot a target 5 times + 800m). In a bid to make the sport more spectator friendly (there have been previous attempts to remove it from the Olympics) the running and shooting were combined to become the laser run. A laser gun is used instead of the traditional pellet gun and the competitor shoots a target 5 times before completing an 800m running course, this is all repeated 4 times. Points are awarded from the first three sports which then dictates what time competitors start the laser run. This cumulates in whoever crosses the line first winning and, therefore, a much more exciting finish and spectator experience as apposed to number crunching and waiting for results.
There is a very strong and long military history behind the sport which extends back to the ancient Olympic games with the original pentathlon modelled on the skills of the ideal soldier. This consisted of the stadion running race, wrestling, long jump, javelin, and discus – somewhat different to today! Subsequently Baron Pierre de Coubertin, creator of the modern pentathlon, aimed to simulate the experiences of a 19th century cavalry soldier behind enemy lines “he must ride an unfamiliar horse, fight enemies with pistol and sword, swim, and run to return to his own soldiers”. Militaries across the world instantly adopted the sport with its necessity for CDRILS, co-ordination, physical fitness, and flexibility in ever changing circumstances with the latter being particularly relevant to fencing!. Notably General Patton came 5th in the first
Modern Pentathlon
Capt Alex Bowman, AESP
Olympic modern pentathlon competition. With such a rich military history in the sport it was only fitting, as a Tier 1 Athlete on the Army Elite Sports Program (AESP), I joined the GB Team in May 2019, based at the GB Pentathlon Performance Centre in Bath. This was following the Army Modern Pentathlon Championships 2018 where I was scouted by Pentathlon GB and, thanks to an incredibly supportive Regt (1MWD), I was subsequently selected to join the GB team following my performances at the 2018/19 national ranking competitions and the associated training camp. This was my first time on an Olympic sport world class program and my 5th time competing in a modern pentathlon. Although I had a large
I was subsequently selected to join the GB team following my performances at the 2018/19 national ranking competitions
amount of tetrathlon experience (almost a precursor sport, without the fencing) whilst at 6th form and university - most notably winning the world Tetrathlon championships (Aus 2014-15) - this was my first real experience of a world class training program and an enormous step up in training. Aside from the huge increase in volume of training, it was also a drastic increase in my exposure to fencing of which I had minimal experience prior. Fencing is a very skill/technique- based sport, requiring time to master and is worth a lot of points in the sport. It is
essential I master it quickly!
Training is fairly regimental for the team
with sessions extending Mon-Sat am (hard run) leaving the remainder of Sat and Sun for rest and recovery. The team is usually split into senior/junior men and women for sessions except for swimming and fencing. The programs for the week ahead are usually WhatsApp’d (shock, horror!) over on the Sunday morning, allowing you to prep for the week ahead. It is a fairly routine rhythm in terms of intensity and the general weekly plan - Thursdays FYI are particularly ‘tasty’! At all times there is a completely professional mindset and a performance focussed environment to train in, everyone here has had to earn their place on the team and shares that medal goal. It is, however, still an exceptionally fun environment and all the other athletes and coaches do enjoy themselves. Being professional athletes, i.e. not having to balance training around work/pressures each day and having access to the incredible facilities and coaching staff, there is nothing that can compare or come anywhere close to it. In my time so far at a GB performance centre it is obvious to see why athletes on the Team GB programs are so far ahead of their compatriots and able to reach their true potential. Quite simply training to compete on the world stage is just the most perfect situation – and I have this every day! I have still yet to wake up with any regrets of being on the AESP. With my veterinary career the Army and Team GB have been very supportive, allowing me to attend CPD and work intermittently at a referral hospital based in Bath ensuring my professional skills don’t take a backwards step whilst I am more focussed as an athlete.
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