Modern Pentathlon Victoria

Development Squad Training #7 and Coach Intro to Mod Pen Session

Various venues – North Melbourne Area

MPV Development Squad Training & Coach Intro to Mod Pen sessions are a great way to bring a friend or your coach to experience pentathlon disciplines for the first time, develop your own skills and make lifetime mateships.

• Obstacles with Michael Mischefski – Lyons Sports Academy
• Fencing with Prof. Enrico Di Ciolo (Italian Olympic Coach) – State Fencing Centre
• Swimming with Tully Watt – Kensington Aquatic Centre

Draft Schedule

10:15am Arrival & registration - Lyons Sports Academy

10:30am Obstacles

Change of venue - Own transport

12:20pm Arrive - State Fencing Centre

12:30pm Fencing

Change of venue - Own transport

3:00pm Arrive – Kensington Aquatic Centre

3:30pm – Swimming

5:00pm – Post training snack Venue TBC

Modern Pentathlon is a multi-discipline sport enjoyed by people of all ages & fitness levels.

One sport - 5 disciplines.

This is a great opportunity to experience 'pathway sports' & find out more about Modern Pentathlon.

Athletes will train together. Our coaches will adapt for different abilities or split into groups depending on numbers. Coaches for our 'Intro To Mod Pen' session will have a dedicated person at each phase to share their knowledge.

Where will the sport of Modern Pentathlon take you?

Obstacle - Coach Michael Mischefski - Australian Head Ninja Warrior Coach. 

Obstacle is the new Modern Pentathlon discipline to debut at the Olympics in 2028.

Why try Obstacle? It is fun, dynamic and technical, requiring strength and determination. Obstacle Laser Run is a pathway sport which is a popular starting point for athletes transitioning into the sport from Obstacle & traditional athletes developing new skills & friendships.

What is Obstacle? An Obstacle Course includes obstacles such as steps, rings, over-under-through, wheels, monkey bars and finish wall all on a 70m course. In competition this is a timed event so learning to clear obstacles & complete efficiently is key.

Fencing - Coach Prof. Enrico Ciolo - Italian Olympic Coach. We are privileged to have Enrico join us and share his innovative coaching and training for this session. Our dedicated, Australian athlete & coach Gabe Spano, will also be there to support you on your fencing journey.

Fencing in Modern Pentathlon is Epee. The competition is split into two rounds: a ranking round in which each athlete competes against each other athlete in a bout lasting one minute or until the first hit. Followed by a second round of direct elimination, with each bout lasting 1minute or up to 5hits. Points are scored for winning each bout and points may be deducted for various infringements.  Athletes wear protective clothing and masks. 

Swimming – Coach – Tully Watt – Australian Modern Pentathlete & coach.

In Modern Pentathlon, the swimming event consists of a 100-metre freestyle race (or 50m under 11) where athletes earn points based on their performance time. Pentathletes may swim and change any stroke or style.

Importance of Swimming in Modern Pentathlon

Swimming is crucial in Modern Pentathlon as it can significantly impact an athlete's overall score and ranking. A strong performance in swimming can provide a competitive edge going into the final combined event of laser-run, where points from all disciplines determine the starting positions.

The Other Sports of Modern Pentathlon

Laser Run

Laser Run component is a combined event and one of the phases in Modern Pentathlon, which also includes fencing, obstacle & swimming. Why try Laser Run? Laser run is a fun sport of strategy and skill to run fast then compose yourself to shoot. It is also a great test of aerobic and anaerobic fitness, adding some variety to your running training. 

Shooting in the Laser Run takes place with a completely safe and environmentally friendly laser pistol, fired at a target from 10m or 5m, depending on age (and ability - for athletes with a disability).

What is Laser Run? Simply, Laser Run combines shooting and running in a continuous format. Athletes run into the shooting range where they are required to hit 5 bullseyes, on an electronic target, or 50 seconds elapses as they try. Then run, shoot, repeat (depending on age) and finish with a run lap. Running and shooting distances for different age groups.

Laser Run is the final phase of a Modern Pentathlon (MP) competition. As an individual competition, it is one of the pathway sports of MP and keenly contested across the world.

We will include Laser Shooting Awareness for Coaches Intro to Mod Pen session.

The structure of the day gives you a taste of the range of skills required, reflecting the original intent of the modern pentathlon to showcase a well-rounded athlete.

Equipment: For those new to the sport, some equipment is available. Please indicate requirements at registration.

Current Modern Pentathlon Victoria members receive a discounted fee - this can be a Trialist Membership which allows you to compete/participate in most Modern Pentathlon events in Australia for 3 months. (Trialist membership can be upgraded to a Full membership at the end of the 3 mths)

'Come and Try' - includes all sessions offered on the day. 

Minimum age for participating in these training sessions is 9 years (calculated as minimum birth year 2017) and athletes need to be a proficient swimmer to participate in swim sessions.All youth athletes need to have a designated parent/guardian (over 18years) in attendance during these sessions.

‘Coaches – Intro to Mod Pen’ – is Free though registration is required.

Registration Fee:

$80 for MPV Members / $90 for non MPV members per athlete for 3 sessions on the day.

Family discount: 10% discount per family member when two (2) or more Adult or Youth athletes reside at the same address and register at the same time. Contact us for discount code.

The Registration fee covers all sessions for that day, whether you participate in all sessions is up to the individual, though please confirm at registration or via email if you are not planning to participate in the 3 sessions.

"Nothing improves you like squad sessions - Together More Active"

Curious about the sport - Come & Try -Please reach out and let us know how we can assist you in being a part of this training opportunity.

Getting there: As there are multiple venue changes, public transport will be a bit challenging for this one, sorry. Carpooling is recommended.

Venue Accessibility: 

State Fencing Centre - North Melbourne Recreation Centre & Surrounds. Street parking available (timed and non-timed), No centre specific car park.

• Accessible Car Spaces at front entrance – Arden St
• Accessible Restroom/Change Space
• Ramp access to centre
• Ramps within the centre
• Elevator access
•  Air Conditioning

Kensington Community Aquatic and Recreation Centre is designed to be fully accessible, offering the following features:

• A fully accessible indoor pool with a ramp, handrail, pool hoist, and aquatic wheelchairs
• Program pool access with ramps, a pool hoist, and aquatic wheelchairs
• Step-free entry to the facility, with ramp access at the members' entrance for after-hours access
• Accessible change rooms located throughout the centre
• A Changing Places toilet and change facility with MLAK (Master Locksmiths Access Key) access
• Lift access to the gym and group fitness areas

"Together More Active"