The Modern Pentathlon is based on the following scenario:
A soldier is given an order to deliver a message through enemy lines. He must 1st mount and ride an unfamiliar horse, he meets up with an enemy and must duel with swords to escape, then he is trapped and must shoot his way out. He comes to a river and is forced to swim across, and finally he must run 4000 yards through the woods to his destination.
Thus the 5 events are Riding, Fencing, Shooting, Swimming and Running.
Only military personnel medaled in the event up until 1956.
In 1912 the 5th place finisher was from the United States. He placed in the top 6 in every event except the shooting, in which he was 21st out of 32. If he wasn't so incompetent as a marksman he would have won the gold. Who was he?
He was a young Lt. George S. Patton.
