The Pentathlon or How I Found A Sport That Might Get Me Into the Olympics

Tuesday August 12, 2008

We have no television or cable/satellite service here at our townhome in Athens, and as a result I had to go watch the Olympic gymnastic events last night at my friends apartment. I share my childhood dream of competing in the Olympic games and wondered out loud what sport I could choose that would present me with the best opportunity to make it into the next Olympic games in London. I was settled on kayaking last night, until a friend told me out about the pentathlon earlier today.

Needless to say, I think the pentathlon, or maybe the triathlon, might be right up my alley. It’s a multidiscipline sport consisting of running, shooting, fencing, swimming and riding. The idea behind the development of this particular sport was that the events mimic what ancient Greek soldiers would have had to be proficient in. It’s a true Olympic sport. Grueling, requiring mastery of mind and body, and glorious when executed well. Forget kayaking, I’m going for Olympic glory.