Olympic medallists and world champion lead all-star military cast

The 44th CISM Military World Championships Modern Pentathlon have begun in Warendorf (GER) with a star-studded line-up leading an 80-strong field.

Two Rio 2016 Olympic Games medallists and one reigning individual world champion are competing at the Bundeswehr sports school, underlining the strong military heritage of Modern Pentathlon and the strong links it retains to servicemen and women.

Valentin Belaud (FRA), the 2016 Men’s Individual world champion, is taking part in the competition (September 21-25) and so are the Rio 2016 Women’s silver medallist Elodie Clouvel (FRA) and bronze medallist Oktawia Nowacka (POL). They will face stiff competition from the world No.5 Annika Schleu (GER) among others.

Warendorf, which has for many years been a strong centre of Modern Pentathlon in Germany, is hosting the CISM Military World Championships for the 7th time.

Dr Klaus Schormann, the President of UIPM who is attending the championships, said: “I welcome all of the athletes, who have travelled from 16 nations and four continents to take part in the 44th CISM Military World Championships Modern Pentathlon here in Warendorf.

“People of different origins, religions and ethnic backgrounds gather for sporting competitions and to celebrate together under the slogan ‘Friendship Through Sport’.

“I wish all participants an impressive and unforgettable stay in Germany, every success for their competitions as well as an exciting and fair tournament.”