MODERN PENTATHLON: The inside word on modern pentathlon from someone who knows; fencing will make or break the competition.
Australian Team Chef de Mission Kitty Chiller competed in modern pentathlon at the Sydney 2000 Olympics – the inaugural appearance of the women’s event - after being ranked world number one from 1996-98.
Chiller said a solid performance in fencing, the first of the five events, would be important for Australian representatives Chloe and Max Esposito to be competitive throughout.
The remaining events – the 200m swim, show jumping and the combined 3500m run and shooting – will be held the following day.
“(The Espositos) have prepared well. They will be up against the best combined event athletes in the running and shooting and also some very strong riders so obviously anything can happen,” Chiller said.
“The key thing is if they get a good solid fence, and they don’t have to win, but if they finish middle of the field or just above they’ll be in a good position.
“Good on Chloe and Max; three years ago they knew (fencing) was an area they had to improve on, so they made a great decision to move to Hungary, with the support of the AIS, and worked on that (discipline).”
Both Max, 18, and Chloe, 24, identify the combined event as their strongest.
Chiller agreed that would be the contest where the Australians shine at Deodoro Stadium over the coming days.
“Max is so strong, I would say top three in the world, and Chloe is similar…. They are very very good athletes and very strong runners,” she said.
“I know that these two kids will go out and do their absolute best, they’re not overwhelmed or daunted, they will give everything they’ve got. I saw them yesterday and they are fit, they’re healthy, they’re strong.
“In pentathlon there really aren’t any favourites, any of 10-15 top athletes in the world could win and Max and Chloe are right up there.”
A sentimental favourite, Chiller said the modern pentathlon format had evolved significantly in recent years and would provide an exciting tail end to the Rio Games over the next three days.
“It’s a sport that has so much history, it was devised as the ultimate test of athletic ability,” Chiller said.
“The sport has done enormous things in the last eight years to make sure it is still relevant and exciting for spectators.
“To have the events combined into one day and all in one stadium, the international body is constantly ensuring that the sport doesn’t stay in the past and that it’s exciting.”
Modern pentathlon has a guaranteed place at the Olympics through Tokyo 2020. However Chiller is confident that progress in the programming of the event has put it in good stead to continue.
“I certainly hope that it’s always part of the Olympic Games,” she said.
Modern pentathlon begins on Thursday August 18 with the women’s fencing ranking round at 10am (11pm AEST).
Candice Keller
olympics.com.au
olympics.com.au
Source of article : http://rio2016.olympics.com.au/news/australia-fighting-fit-for-modern-pent
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