The pentathlon is an athletic competition consisting of five different events.  The word “pentathlon” comes from the Greek for “five” (“penta-”) and “contest” or “competition” (“athlon”).  Like the biathlon, heptathlon, and decathlon, but unlike the triathlon, the pentathlon is mostly thought of as an Olympic event.

There are several versions of the pentathlon with different events composing each:

Ancient Olympic Pentathlon ^[1]

• Long Jump
• Javelin Throw
• Discus Throw
• Stadion (a foot race)
• Wrestling

Modern Pentathlon ^[2]

• Cross Country Running
• Fencing
• Horseback Riding
• Shooting
• Swimming

Military Pentathlon ^[3]

• Cross Country Running
• Obstacle Running
• Obstacle Swimming
• Shooting
• Throwing

Classic Pentathlon ^[4]

• Discus Throw
• Javelin Throw
• Long Jump
• 200 Meter
• 1500 Meter

Indoor Pentathlon ^[4]

• High Jump
• Long Jump
• Shot Put
• 60 Meter Hurdles
• 800 Meter