Five competitions – one goal. The power of excitement during the modern pentathlon at the AWF in Krakow.

The modern pentathlon tournament, which lasted less than a week, was one of the biggest organizational and sporting challenges at the European Games. However, as we could see, the sport fit perfectly into the whole event, characterized by versatility and openness to less popular disciplines.

During the competition held at the facilities of the AWF, 119 athletes from 26 countries had a chance to fight for medals in as many as five categories – in individual and team tournaments for men and women, as well as in the mixed version. At stake, in addition to podium places at the European Games, were the titles of European champions and, most importantly, qualification for next year’s Olympic Games in Paris. The top eight male and female athletes received these nominations.

In the individual competition, the Italians dominated the competition – the gold medal went to Giorgio Malani and Alice Sotero. In turn, in the team clashes in the women’s category the first place went to the German women, in the men’s it was the British, while in the case of mixed teams the Czech team won.

The number of sets of medals corresponded to the number of competitions included in the discipline. This is because the competitions in modern pentathlon include horseback riding, fencing (sabre), swimming, cross-country running and laser pistol shooting. A wide variety of sports activities aroused just as much excitement in the stands. The spectators were greatly impressed not only by the spectacular struggles, but also by the efficient and fast organization of such a demanding discipline. The athletes stressed that the Krakow pentathlon impressed them with preparations at the highest level, especially in the care of horses, as well as the ease of movement between facilities.

– This place is great, the facilities here are great – so it was a really nice experience for me. – said British Jessica Varley, bronze medalist in the mixed team category, during a press conference.

There is no doubt that Krakow has passed the test of conducting complex competitions. Thus, the success of modern pentathlon is an important step towards the development of multisport events, which, with their attractiveness, are attracting increasing crowds of spectators. We can therefore count on an increase in interest in modern pentathlon, which is to be played in a different format than before at the Paris Games. So we can only wait for the next great excitement, perhaps at another prestigious event. Let’s go to battle!