Pentathlon

The Pentathlon was an athletic event in the original Olympic games, as well as the Panhellenic games of ancient Greece. The name is derived from the Greek term meaning “five competitions.” These consisted of stadion (a short foot race), wrestling, long jumps, javelin throws and discus throws. Back in the day, “Pentathletes” were regarded as kingly competitors amongst all other athletes. Training for the Pentathlon was often part of military service since each of the five exercises taught efficiency in combat.

Ancient Pentathlon Events

The ancient Olympic Pentathlon had a unique system of scoring. Pentathlon winners were usually chosen by the winner of the stadion (the race) and remembered as the champion of the entire event. However, if the same person won the long jump, discus throw and javelin throw then the stadion would not have to be held, since that man had now won the event. Wrestling matches of the Pentathlon
were held in sand pits while stadion races were held in a stadium, an event center named for its attraction. Wrestling and discus throws rules stayed primarily the same though techniques were likely different than in modern day competition. Javelin throws used a leather strap, while stadion races measured about 200 yards. The long jump of the Pentathlon used weights to propel himself farther out of standing position and jumps consisted of five separate leaps. In this way, the long jump had the most unusual set of rules and actually resembles the modern day triple jump. This is estimated because historical references suggest 50 foot jumps were the norm by Olympic athletes. One significant change from the original Olympic Pentathlon and today's athletic competitions, is that Pentathlon events in classical times were performed in the nude! Though you may have seen Tonya Harding naked elsewhere, it's safe to say most countries today would not be so cooperative in hosting the event if that were still the standard.

The Modern Day Pentathlon

The ancient Pentathlon has been continued in modern times, first introduced 1912. What were the events in a modern Pentathlon? Contemporary sports dominated the event, including pistol shooting, fencing, swimming, horse riding and running. Participants believed that the spirit of the Pentathlon was alive in well in the modern version of the events, and that this competition would “test a man’s moral qualities as much as his physical resources.”

Today, there is a women's Pentathlon joining the event, and just as in ancient times all five games are completed in one day. Some notable names in modern competition include 1988 Olympic Pentathlon winner Janos Martinek, 1988 Olympic women's pentathlon winner D Idzi, and 1976 competitor Jack Alexander. Pentathlon pictures, whether of ancient Pentathlon drawings or modern day photographs can be attained from many websites celebrating the fine sport – the fine art – of track and field.