modern pentathlon
noun
: a composite contest in which all contestants compete in a 300-meter freestyle swim, a 4000-meter cross-country run, a 5000-meter 30-jump equestrian steeplechase, épée fencing, and target shooting at 25 meters
Examples of modern pentathlon in a Sentence
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One of the oldest in the crowd was Tom Lough, a West Point graduate who competed in modern pentathlon at the 1968 Games in Mexico City.
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James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 15 Jan. 2026
The elder Sisniega competed in modern pentathlon and was a flag bearer at the 1984 Olympics held in Los Angeles.
—Ryan Finley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Nov. 2025
In effect, obstacle course racing has replaced equestrian show jumping as one of modern pentathlon’s five events.
—Blythe Lawrence, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
And the modern pentathlon – a rather odd event in which athletes traditionally compete in fencing, showjumping, a 200-meter freestyle swim and a laser run that combines running and shooting – will take on a new complexion in LA.
—Issy Ronald, CNN, 12 Aug. 2024
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James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 15 Jan. 2026
The elder Sisniega competed in modern pentathlon and was a flag bearer at the 1984 Olympics held in Los Angeles.
—Ryan Finley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Nov. 2025
In effect, obstacle course racing has replaced equestrian show jumping as one of modern pentathlon’s five events.
—Blythe Lawrence, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
And the modern pentathlon – a rather odd event in which athletes traditionally compete in fencing, showjumping, a 200-meter freestyle swim and a laser run that combines running and shooting – will take on a new complexion in LA.
—Issy Ronald, CNN, 12 Aug. 2024
See All Example Sentences for modern pentathlon
Cite this Entry
“Modern pentathlon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/modern%20pentathlon. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
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