Brief History
Created by the founder of the modern Olympics, Baron Pierre de Coubertin, pentathlon determines the supreme sporting champion by including endurance, speed and skills disciplines.  The disciplines were selected according to the story of the Kings Messenger where the hero had to deliver a message to the king across enemy territory.  He rode on horseback, fought off the enemy first by pistol and then by sword, swam across the river and then ran the rest of the way to deliver the message.  Modern Pentathlon for men has been in the Olympics since 1912.  The 2000 Olympics included women for the first time.

Facilities and Equipment
Air Pistol Shooting — pistol and pellets.  Takes place on shooting range.
Fencing — epee swords.  Protective clothing and visor.  Takes place on fencing pistes
Swim — swimming costume
Riding — riding clothes, helmet etc
Running — trainers or similar

Benefits of Participating
Modern pentathlon guarantees variety.  In doing 5 disciplines, athletes are well balanced physically and mentally.  Cross training also helps prevent injury.  Five disciplines means each athlete has his/her chance to shine in their speciality.  It is a very friendly sport.  Only in fencing do athletes compete directly against each other - in other disciplines they compete against their personal best.

Variations of the Sport
Several multi-sport options as follows:-
Biathlon — swim and run
Modern triathlon — swim, run and shoot
Tetrathlon — swim, run, shoot and fence
Pentathlon — swim, run, shoot, fence and ride
Event comprise individual and team events.
Every event is based on points with athletes trying to amass maximum possible points.