Modern Pentathlon is a complicate sport that is carried out in one day, including the following events: Shooting (10m air-pistol), Fencing (electric epee), Swimming (200 m freestyle), Riding (show jumping), and Running (3 Km cross country).

Modern Pentathlon was first included in the Olympic Programme at 1912 in Stockholm. The proposition was made by the Baron Pierre de Coubertin, an ancient Pentathlon enthusiast. The choice of the five diverse sports that made up the Modern Pentathlon arose out of the romantic adventures of a liaison officer whose horse was brought down in enemy territory. Having defended himself with his pistol and sword, he swam across a raging river and delivered the message to the foot. The new sport's demands of stamina, coordination, fitness, and flexibility soon appealed to the military, which adopted it enthusiastically.

The International Modern Pentathlon Union (U.I.P.M.) was founded in 1948. Today over a 100 National Modern Pentathlon Federations are affiliated to the UIPM, all working for the Olympic spirit, friendship, solidarity, equality and fair play.