Overview

Pentathlon GB and Hartpury have formed a unique partnership to support the Pentathlon GB World Class Development Programme, with the aim of identifying and developing potential young modern pentathletes.

Established in 2003, the Hartpury Modern Pentathlon Academy enables talented potential pentathletes to combine academic study with quality performance coaching from Pentathlon GB National Development Coach and Academy Director, Bernie Moss. The Academy also acts as a feeder to the National Training Centre in Bath, where the Olympic Podium Programme athletes train.

Performance development: Getting started in Modern Pentathlon is easier than you think. To join the Hartpury Academy
you do not need to be able to compete at all five events. The majority of our Academy students have very little experience of at least one of the five disciplines. The prerequisites to joining the Academy are enthusiasm, talent and a commitment to succeed in all five events. Experience and being able to meet physical standards in running and swimming are desirable but not essential.

Some of our pentathletes have competed at Pony Club Tetrathlon and are able to ride, run, swim and shoot proficiently; other Academy members are successful biathletes but have never sat on a horse.

As a Hartpury pentathlete you will receive skill development and training; highly controlled long-term individual goal setting will enable you to build up your ability progressively, supported by outstanding specialist facilities for riding, swimming (at GL1 in Gloucester), running, fencing and shooting. You will also have access to the Hartpury Academy of Sports’ athlete support team which includes physiotherapists, nutritionists, conditioners and Sports Science back-up.

Elite competitions: There are many opportunities to compete at national and international level with the full support of the Academy Director. Many of our pentathletes successfully compete at the National Championships at junior and youth level and have gone on to be selected to compete for their country at European and World Championships. You will also be encouraged to compete in individual discipline events to develop experience and confidence.