Source: Xinhua
08-08-2008 14:19
Special Report: 2008 Beijing Olympic GamesBEIJING, Aug. 8 (Xinhua) -- Following is the factbox on modern pentathlon at the August 8-24 Beijing Olympic Games:
HISTORY
The only sport created solely for the Olympic Games, modern pentathlon is supposed to reflect the ancient Greek ideal of the well-rounded athlete competing in several disciplines.
The ancient pentathlon, which comprised discus throw, javelin, long jump, a stadium-length race and wrestling, was practiced at the Olympic Games in 708 B.C..
Pierre de Coubertin, the father of the modern Games, designed modern pentathlon as an event that would test physical strength, technical ability, concentration and endurance, with athletes competing in shooting, fencing, swimming, riding and cross-country running, all within one day.
EVENTS
Shooting, fencing, swimming, riding and 3,000 meters cross-country running.
In shooting, the competitors shoot at a fixed target from a distance of 10 meters using a 4.5mm-calibre air pistol, with 20 shots allowed for each athlete and a time limit of 40 seconds.
For the fencing event, athletes fence once with each of their rivals which means that each competitor faces 31 opponents.
