Finding the sport through a UK Sport, Team GB and Paralympics GB talent identification initiative after the 2024 Paris Olympics, Marie has been thrown into the deep end in Pentathlon this year, but is relishing the opportunity and experiences she has found.
We caught up with Marie after the third National Ranking Event, where she finished her first full Pentathlon competition, to find out more about her journey into our Pentathlon community.
How did you come to be involved in the Find Your Greatness programme?
I first took part in the talent search scheme after the 2020 Olympics and really enjoyed the whole process. So when I saw an advert on Instagram saying it was running again after Paris 2024, I was very keen to apply. I went to the park to complete the required fitness tests, submitted my application, and was excited to see where it might lead.
What were your first impressions of Pentathlon?
I had actually never really heard of modern pentathlon and didn’t know what the five sports were. Once I learned about the format, I thought it sounded incredibly exciting and dynamic. I loved the idea of becoming a well-rounded, multifaceted athlete. It’s such a versatile sport that challenges you in completely different ways.
What was it about Pentathlon that made you want to try it out?
I’ve always had a tendency to fully commit to a sport for a few years and then move on once I feel ready for a new challenge. Pentathlon really appealed to me because there are five completely different disciplines, each requiring unique skills. It felt like a sport that would constantly keep me engaged. I also genuinely enjoy trying new things and meeting new people, so I was really excited to step into the world of pentathlon and learn more about it.
How have you found the transition/ training?
There have definitely been highs and lows. Managing five entirely different sports is a completely new challenge, especially when trying to structure training and get the right balance between sessions. I’ve found it difficult at times deciding which disciplines to prioritise, but I also love how varied the training is – no two weeks are ever the same, which keeps it exciting and motivating.
How have you been supported by PGB/ your club/ Uni?
Pentathlon GB introduced me to the sport through a training day where specialist coaches guided us through each discipline. I was given a laser pistol and target to practise with, which made it feel very real very quickly. Since then, I’ve attended several training days where I’ve received high-level coaching, trained alongside incredibly talented athletes, and had sessions on topics like balancing training and competition. They’ve continued to support me as I navigate my first pentathlon competitions.
At Oxford, I train day-to-day with the university pentathlon team. I have access to coaching across the disciplines, as well as strength and conditioning sessions, sports psychology and nutrition talks, and physiotherapy support. The team is incredibly supportive, both in training and socially, and they provide my day-to-day training plans.
What have you found to be the most difficult thing about Pentathlon?
Balancing five different events is definitely the biggest challenge. Even training each discipline twice a week quickly adds up to a very full schedule. Learning how to prioritise certain sports during different training blocks is something I’m still developing. Another challenge has been entering a completely new competition environment and getting to grips with the format and rules.
How have you found being involved in the National Ranking Events?
It’s been an incredible learning experience and a fantastic opportunity to be surrounded by such talented athletes. At my first National Rankings, I competed in some events with the juniors and some with the seniors, and I completed three out of the five disciplines. This helped me focus on understanding the competition structure and settling into the environment.
At my second National Rankings, I completed the full pentathlon with the seniors. Watching and competing alongside experienced athletes taught me so much. Being in that environment gave me a clear idea of the standard required and helped me identify where I should focus my training moving forward.
What are your aspirations within Pentathlon?
It’s always slightly daunting to say big goals out loud, but I genuinely want to see how far I can go in pentathlon. In the short term, I want to complete more full pentathlons and grow in confidence in competition. In the long term, it would be incredible to represent Great Britain internationally and see where that journey could take me.
What would you say to anyone who is looking to start/ get involved in Pentathlon?
Reach out and speak to as many people as possible, everyone I’ve met in the sport has been so willing to help. There are so many opportunities out there if you’re proactive. It’s also important to find people to train alongside, even if they’re not pentathletes. You could join a triathlon session for endurance, a fencing club for technical work, or a running group for speed. Pentathlon does require time and dedication, but it’s incredibly rewarding. The best way to start is simply to give it a go.
Read more about the UK Sport Find Your Greatness programme here – https://www.uksport.gov.uk/our-work/investing-in-sport/find-your-greatness
Want to join Marie and get involved in Pentathlon? Find Your Greatness with a range of taster events and competitions here – https://pentathlongb.sport80.com/public/widget/1/
