What sounds like something out of a James Bond movie is actually heading to Johannesburg this July – and it could put South Africa on the map for one of the Olympics’ most demanding sports.
From 17-20 July, the world’s most promising young athletes aged 17 and under will descend on Reddam House Helderfontein in Johannesburg for the Modern Pentathlon World Championships. But don’t worry if you’ve never heard of it – most South Africans haven’t either.
So, what exactly is Modern Pentathlon?
Think of it as the ultimate test of an all-round athlete. Modern Pentathlon combines five completely different sports in one competition: sword fighting (fencing), swimming, obstacle racing, shooting, and running. Athletes must master all five disciplines to succeed – there’s nowhere to hide if you’re weak in one area.
The sport was created for the 1912 Olympics by Pierre de Coubertin (the founder of the modern Olympics) to test the skills of a “complete soldier.” Originally, competitors had to fence, swim, ride an unfamiliar horse, shoot a pistol, and run cross-country. The idea was that a soldier might need to fight with a sword, swim across a river, ride a horse through enemy territory, shoot accurately, and run to safety.
A sport that’s moving with the times
But here’s where it gets interesting for modern audiences. The sport has just undergone a major makeover to make it more exciting and accessible. Gone are the horses (which made the sport expensive and unpredictable), replaced by high-energy obstacle course racing that tests speed, agility, and strength.
“This is like watching five different sports rolled into one action-packed day,” explains Frans Van Niekerk, President of the South African Modern Pentathlon Association (SAMPA). “It’s pure entertainment – from the tactical chess match of fencing to the explosive athleticism of obstacle racing.”
Why this matters for South Africa
This isn’t just any sporting event. South Africa is hosting not one, but two world championships in 2025 – a massive vote of confidence in the country’s ability to stage world-class sporting events. After the July championships in Johannesburg, Mossel Bay will host another world championships in December.
“Bringing these events to South African soil is a tremendous honour and a powerful statement about our country’s growing presence on the global sporting stage,” says Van Niekerk.
Home-grown talent to watch
Leading South Africa’s charge is Tatiana Thomatos, a rising star who dominated in 2024 by winning gold at the U17 Pentathlon African Championships, the U17 Pentathlon Pan-American Championships, and the U15 World Championships. She’ll be competing in front of a home crowd, wearing the green and gold.
For context, countries like Great Britain and Hungary are powerhouses in this sport, producing Olympic champions like Joe Choong and Michelle Gulyás. South Africa is looking to establish itself among these elite nations.
What to expect
The competition format is designed for maximum excitement: – Fencing: Athletes fight multiple opponents in quick-fire duels – Swimming: A 200-meter freestyle race against the clock
– Obstacle Racing: High-intensity course testing speed and agility – Laser Run: The grand finale combining shooting accuracy with running endurance
Each discipline requires completely different skills, making it one of sport’s ultimate tests of versatility.
The bigger picture
While rugby, cricket, and soccer dominate South African sports headlines, events like this showcase the country’s ability to excel in lesser-known Olympic sports. Modern Pentathlon has been part of the Olympics since 1912, and these young athletes are laying the groundwork for potential Olympic qualification in future games.
“For our young athletes, this is more than just a competition,” adds Van Niekerk. “It’s a chance to test themselves against the world’s best and inspire the next generation of South African multi-sport athletes.”
The event at a glance:
When: 17-20 July
Where: Reddam House Helderfontein, Johannesburg
What: UIPM U17 Modern Pentathlon World Championships
Disciplines: Fencing | Obstacle Racing | Swimming | Laser Run
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