Pentathlon stars prepare for Beijing

(BEIJING, July 3) -- Since its creation over a century ago by Frenchman Baron Pierre de Coubertin, the modern pentathlon has been referred to as the “true Olympic sport” as it tests competitors in five separate disciplines, shooting, fencing, swimming, riding and cross-country running all in one grueling day of competition.

Among those preparing for the 2008 Beijing Games is Russia’s Ilia Frolov, gold medal winner at the recent Budapest world championship. His fellow countryman, Andrei Moiseev, placing fifth in Budapest, is looking to uphold his Olympic title earned at the 2004 Athens Games.

Defending champion in Budapest, Viktor Horvath of Hungary finished last in the competition, defeated in the final phases by a debilitating injury. Sadly, injuries such as Horvath’s are not uncommon in the sport. With Hungary’s legacy in the modern pentathlon, the pressure is great for the 30-year-old athlete to add a gold medal to his splendid display of awards.

The men’s modern pentathlon will be contested on August 21st in Beijing.