The modern pentathlon was created by Baron Pierre de Coubertin and introduced as a new sport at the Stockholm 1912 Olympic Games. The combined five sport event of fencing, swimming, horse riding, shooting, and running was done across five days.
Over the years, Modern Pentathlon has evolved and changed. At the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games, the UIPM started the one-day format that continues until today, while at the Antwerp 1920, Los Angeles 1984 and Barcelona 1992 Olympic Games a four-day format was used. Sweden is the dominant force in the early years until Hungary became strong in the 1960s and then it becomes gradually more open worldwide.
In response to requests for safe and sustainable shooting, the combined running and shooting 'Laser Run' was developed in 2009. The decision to make this change was passed through the UIPM Congress by a single vote.
In 2022, at the UIPM Congress, 83% of National Pentathlon Federations, voted to replace riding with Obstacle racing. This was in response to ongoing welfare and safety concerns around the riding event and the IOC requirement to broaden the appeal of the sport by lowering the cost and increasing accessibility to appeal to young people and the general public. This change took effect immediately for Junior and Youth competitions starting in 2023. For Senior competitions, riding remained and was part of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Moving to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games and beyond, the obstacle discipline will replace riding as the fifth pentathlon discipline.
Modern pentathlon is five sports combined into four events, competed in the span of one day.
Athletes move from one event to the next with a short break between. Pentathletes accumulate points in each event; the athlete with the most points at the end of the day wins.
History Facts
Learn More- It debuted at the Stockholm 1912 Olympic Games where the five sports were spread across five days.
- From 1952 to 1992 it was featured as a men's team event.
- From 1996 onward it shifted to a condensed, one-day format.
- Women were added at the Sydney 2000 Olympic games.
- In 2009, shooting and running was combined into the 'Laser Run' and the shooting format changed for competitors where they run three 1000m laps, each prefaced by hitting five targets.
- In 2014 the Fencing Bonus Round was approved at UIPM Congress and scheduled for introduction in 2015.
- In May 2022, the UIPM Congress voted to replace horse riding with obstacle racing following the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.The new format (Fencing, Obstacle, Swimming, Laser Run) was fully implemented in 2025 for senior competitions, starting with the World Cup season opener.
USA Pentathlon is the national governing body for sport of modern pentathlon in the United States and is based out of Charlotte, N.C. USA Pentathlon's purpose is to develop champions, grow the sport, and inspire excellence through the modern pentathlon experience.
- Develop World-Class Athletes
Build a sustainable pipeline from grassroots to podium by providing elite coaching, competitive opportunities, and high-performance pathways that enable U.S. athletes to succeed on the World Stage and at the Olympic Games. - Grow & Modernize the Sport
Expand participation, awareness, and accessibility of Modern Pentathlon across the United States by supporting clubs, coaches, events, and innovation that make the sport relevant, inclusive, and exciting for today’s athletes and fans. - Inspire Through the Pentathlon Experience
Use the unique, multi-discipline nature of pentathlon to teach resilience, leadership, and lifelong athleticism - creating positive experiences that shape confident competitors and engaged members beyond sport.
Develop. Grow. Inspire.
- Develop World-Class Athletes
USA Pentathlon was officially recognized and certified as a National Governing Body by the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) in 1982. This recognition granted USA Pentathlon exclusive authority over modern pentathlon in the United States under the Amateur Sports Act (now the Ted Stevens Olympic & Amateur Sports Act).
This certification means USA Pentathlon:
- Governs all modern pentathlon activity in the U.S.
- Selects and fields U.S. National Teams
- Sets national rules and standards
- Sanctions domestic competitions
- Represents the U.S. to the Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne (UIPM), the international federation
Become a USA Pentathlon Member!
USA Pentathlon is more than just competition—it’s a community united by the passion for pushing limits and unlocking potential through multisport. When you become a member of USA Pentathlon, you gain access to sanctioned events, national rankings, and the opportunity to represent Team USA on the international stage.