National modern pentathlon team trains for Olympics in Guiyang

Members of the national modern pentathlon team prepare for the 2024 Paris Olympics in Guiyang. [Photo/ WeChat account of Shuangshuang Guiyang]

The Guiyang International Equestrian Center in Guiyang, capital of Southwest China's Guizhou province, welcomed the arrival of the national modern pentathlon team on July 2.

The team has more than 60 coaches, team leaders and athletes, about 30 of whom arrived in Guiyang on June 30, with the rest arriving soon. They will undergo four weeks of training in Guiyang before heading to Paris for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

After multiple inspections, the team chose Guiyang as its training base. According to team leader Zhao Jianqing, Guiyang's environment and climate align well with the characteristics of a modern pentathlon. Additionally, Guiyang's climate conditions are similar to Paris, which will help athletes adapt to the competition environment in advance.

The facilities at the Qingzhen Sports Training Base and Guiyang International Equestrian Center are excellent and meet the team's training needs, Zhao said.

Next, athletes will undergo targeted training to address weaknesses and enhance their confidence and strength on the field, ensuring they perform at their best and achieve outstanding results at the Olympics.

"We maintain high standards in managing stable facilities and the environment, providing round-the-clock services for athletes and their entourages. We will take care of the athletes' horses, and meet the athletes' needs to make them feel at home," said Liu Hui, director of operations at the Guiyang International Equestrian Center.

The modern pentathlon was established by Pierre de Coubertin, the father of the modern Olympics, and became an Olympic event in 1912. It consists of four events across five sports: riding, fencing, swimming, as well as running and shooting (laser-run).

Due to the diversity and high demand of events, the modern pentathlon tests athletes both physically and mentally. China's strength in the modern pentathlon has been improving since the sport was introduced to the country in the 1980s. In recent years, the country has achieved excellent results at the Modern Pentathlon World Cup, World Modern Pentathlon Championships, and the Olympics.