Pentathlon World Cup in Palm Springs
Opening ceremonies officially kicked off the USA Pentathlon World Cup #1 at Palm Springs Stadium. Earlier this month the event was at risk of being cancelled because of a lack of sponsorship.
140 athletes from 30 different countries will be competing in Palm Springs as they prepare for the 2016 Olympic Games. The modern Pentathlon consists of five events: fencing, swimming, horse riding, cross country running and shooting.
Competition will begin Wednesday with the men’s qualifier. The women’s qualifier will be Thursday. The men’s final is Friday, the women’s on Saturday with the mixed relay concluding on Sunday.
World War II U.S. Army General George S. Patton’s granddaughter was the keynote speaker at the opening ceremony. General Patton finished 5th in the modern Pentathlon back in the 1912 Olympic Games.