The York Sport Union is set to add Modern Pentathlon to its growing list of sports played at the university.
Consisting of running, swimming, fencing, shooting and horse riding, the Modern Pentathlon Club will offer a unique opportunity to trial a variety of sports whilst developing a wide range of skillsets.
Students from York are currently spearheading efforts to increase the exposure of the sport. Representatives from the University recently competed in the University Pentathlon Champions Day in September. The programme aimed to break down the perceived barriers surrounding the sport, with competitors varying from newcomers to national competitors. Speaking to Vision, Club President Anna Trotman stressed this message that students should not be deterred by the seeming intensity of the sport and get involved. “The sport is as intense as you want to make it. We are in our first year so members can make it as relaxed or competitive as they like.”
Despite it being in its infancy, Trotman believes that the Modern Pentathlon Club could be ready for national competition as early as 2016. “[At the moment] we are just trying to get people interested in the sport, and hopefully we’ll be BUCS ready by the end of the year.”
Steady progress could therefore see the Club soon competing in the BUCS Biathlon and Modern Pentathlon Championships, held in Oxford for the last few years around March and April time. For now, however, emphasis will be placed on increasing the profile of the sport on campus.
York Sport President Grace Clarke expressed her delight at the news: “I am so excited for the new Modern Pentathlon Club to get off the ground and started. Anna is passionate and enthusiastic and I know she is going to do a fantastic job at promoting the Club to new members.”
The Club have commenced this year’s training and are eager to have students of all levels getting involved.
Training sessions are run in conjunction with the Triathlon, Fencing and Equestrian clubs, ensuring top level training facilities and expert guidance is at their disposal for all five events. For information on training times, join the University of York Pentathlon Club Facebook group.