Courtney Middelkoop

Name: Courtney Middelkoop

Date of Birth: May 4, 1996

Hometown: Richardson, Texas

Current Residence: Richardson, Texas

Club: Indianapolis Fencing Club; Noblesville Ultimate Ninjas

 

Career Highlights:

2026 Pan Am Championship - 2nd Team

2026 US Nationals - 4th

2026 Colorado Regional - 1st

 

 

How did you get started in Modern Pentathlon, and what motivated you to pursue it at the international level?

I got started in modern pentathlon after learning that equestrian was being replaced by the obstacle course discipline. With my background in gymnastics, the obstacle course discipline immediately felt like a natural fit. I saw an opportunity to take a shot at something new at a high level while pursuing a childhood dream of becoming an Olympian. I began my pentathlon journey in January 2026. Gymnastics gave me a foundation in discipline, body awareness, coordination, performing under pressure, learning technical skills quickly, and having a competitive mindset. But pentathlon challenges me to apply those strengths in an entirely different way.
Modern pentathlon gives me the chance to continue evolving as an athlete while representing the United States on an international stage.

What does representing the United States on the Senior National Team mean to you?

Representing the United States on the Senior National Team is an incredible honor. I was proud to represent Iowa State as a collegiate gymnast, and I still wear my school colors with pride. Having the opportunity to represent my home country takes that pride to another level.
To me, it represents the American Dream: having the opportunity, support, and freedom to pursue a goal and a dream, then committing fully to the work required to make it real. Wearing USA means competing for more than myself. It is a chance to represent the people who have supported me, the discipline it took to get here, and the belief that it is never too late to pursue a new challenge. I am committed to competing with gratitude, resilience, and pride—and to showing what is possible when you are willing to take a chance and work relentlessly for it.

What is your favorite motivational quote?

"Somewhere behind the athlete you've become and the hours of practice and the coaches who have pushed you is a little girl who fell in love with the game and never looked back... play for her." — Mia Hamm