Pentathlon GB has been shortlisted at the prestigious Bath Life Awards. The national governing body for the Olympic sport of Modern Pentathlon has been named as a finalist in the Best Event Category for hosting the World Championships for Modern Pentathlon and Laser Run, held at the University of Bath in August 2023.
The UIPM’s (The Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne) World Championships, an international qualifying event for the Paris 2024 Olympics, showcased approximately 700 elite athletes, including Team GB Olympic champion Joe Choong. It was one of the biggest sporting events ever staged in the South West of England, featuring hundreds of athletes, coaches, support staff, volunteers, delegates and media, as well as 4,500 spectators from across the globe.
For the first time, spectators were able to enjoy watching fencing, horse-riding and laser run (running and laser shooting) live from their seats at the outdoor arena, while the swimming section, which took place in the University’s Olympic-sized pool, was broadcast live via a large video screen in the stadium.
It is the first time Great Britain has hosted the World Championships since 2009, with the BBC broadcasting coverage of the men’s, women’s and mixed relay finals. The Laser Run World Championships also included a Para Laser Run category for the first time.
Alongside the sporting competitions, Pentathlon GB converted the University of Bath’s indoor tennis courts into a ‘have a go’ fencing and laser shooting zone, with additional activities for all the family, including time trials against the champions, design a swim cap and a fun obstacle course for younger children.
Trafford Wilson, CEO of Pentathlon GB says: “Hosting the World Championships in Bath in the same year as we celebrated 100 years of pentathlon in Great Britain and its 25-year connection with the city was momentous for us and so we are honoured to have been shortlisted at the Bath Awards 2024.”
The World Championships had a significant economic impact on the area, injecting over a million pounds into the local economy. In addition, with support from UKSport, Pentathlon GB implemented a pioneering safeguarding model in international sports, setting a new standard for creating safe spaces.
Wilson explains: “We were thrilled to host the World Championships in Bath and successfully welcomed so many spectators. One of our parameters of success was to ensure that we delivered on our safeguarding and welfare policy to ensure the wellbeing of those taking part and attending our event. Pentathlon GB worked with UK Sport, the NSPCC and the local authorities to develop a first-of-its-kind for UIPM safeguarding policy, which included having three fully-trained safeguarding officers on site every day. The positive feedback we have received about the welfare provided at the World Championship is now being used by UK Sport to further develop their own safeguarding policies.
“However, the true triumph of our World Championships is best gauged by its enduring legacy. The team at Pentathlon GB is consistently working to grow our sport and is focused on taking participation to new heights in partnership with local clubs and schools, helping to make modern pentathlon more accessible and inclusive. This includes introducing a new ‘friendly’ brand, Penta+, to help bring in and inspire a new audience.”
The legacy of the World Championships includes projects in Bath, supporting schools in the area to experience laser run events, as well as hosting interactive ‘have a go’ pentathlon sessions for para athletes. This has led to ongoing collaborations with UK disability charity, Access Sports. Whilst the upskilling of 20 local teachers as laser run coaches also aims to establish a sustainable foundation for the sport’s involvement in Bath.
Wilson concludes: “We are looking forward to celebrating with the other noteworthy Bath Awards 24 finalists on the 29th February at the Pavilion, which looks set to be a fantastic evening celebrating local businesses and the positive impact they have for the Bath community.”
