A new outdoor exhibition has opened in the centre of Bath, celebrating 100 years of modern pentathlon and its links with the city.
The exhibition in SouthGate Bath | Photo © Team Bath
The installation comprises 24 illustrative panels that tell the history of modern pentathlon since it was introduced at the Stockholm Olympic Games in 1912.
It celebrates the athletes and coaches who have made a special contribution to global pentathlon sporting success for Great Britain, which includes seven Olympic medals since the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, of which six have been in the women’s event.
The free exhibition, which is located at the Vaults in SouthGate, runs until 29th August.
The opening comes just days before Bath hosts the UIPM Laser Run and Modern Pentathlon World Championships. They are being held at the University of Bath and will see reigning World and Olympic Champion Joe Choong bid to defend his crown.
2023 marks the centenary since the foundation of the Modern Pentathlon Association of Great Britain, now known as Pentathlon GB, and 25 years since the association made the Sports Training Village at the University its national training centre.
Trafford Wilson, CEO of Pentathlon GB said; “It is incredibly exciting and special to be hosting the World Championships in Bath in the same year as we celebrate 100 years of pentathlon in Great Britain and its 25-year connection with the city.
“We want to give everyone living locally or visiting Bath in August the opportunity to celebrate our sports history, either by visiting the exhibition, completing the activity pack or coming to the University to get immersed in the World Championships.”
The pentathlon exhibition also features a special summer activity pack that has been produced to introduce children to the pentathlon family of sports and encourage them to get active by taking part in a treasure hunt involving local businesses. The pack was distributed to schools across Bath and North East Somerset before the summer holidays and can also be downloaded from www.wch2023.org.
Councillor Kevin Guy, leader of Bath and North East Somerset, said: “It is fantastic that the city’s close association with these championships is being celebrated with this exhibition and I’d encourage people to go along and discover more about its history ahead of the event.
“We want to give a warm welcome to all the athletes taking part in the championships so I hope as many people as possible will take the opportunity to go along to the university and enjoy watching world-class sports right here in Bath.”
Guy Henderson, centre director at SouthGate Bath, added: “As the city counts down to hosting the Modern Pentathlon World Championships, it’s very exciting to be partnering with Pentathlon GB on this educative exhibition.
“Not only do we hope that visitors will enjoy learning about the history of the sport and its connection to Bath but also that it will encourage them to get involved in the celebrations later this month.”
The World Championships take place from 19th – 28th August, and the pentathlon element will be contested in a 90-minute format.
Spectators will be able to watch the fencing, horse-riding and laser run live from their seats in an outdoor arena while the swimming section, taking place in the University’s Olympic-sized pool, will be broadcast via large video screen in the stadium.
Alongside the competition, the Sports Training Village’s indoor tennis courts will be converted into a ‘have a go’ fencing and laser shooting zone with additional activities for all the family including time trials against the champions, swim cap design table and an obstacle course for younger children.
The World Championships are being delivered in partnership with Bath and North East Somerset Council, UK Sport, The National Lottery and The University of Bath.
For more information about the World Championships and to buy tickets, visit www.wch2023.org.
