Modern Pentathlon test event sees Olympic qualification and a new world record
Robert Kasza of Hungary swept to victory in the International Modern Pentathlon Union (UIPM) World Cup Final supported by UK Sport at Greenwich Park today, qualifying for next year’s Olympic Games in the process.
As part of the London Prepares series, the event is allowing the London 2012 Organising Committee to test key aspects of its operations in preparation for next year’s Games.
The men’s competition offered up great competitive action today for both athletes and crowds to enjoy, as Kasza came out on top against a high-quality field featuring 36 world-class athletes.
The day began at Crystal Palace (a non-London 2012 venue), which hosted a round-robin fencing event, won by Pavlo Kirpulyanskyy of Ukraine, and a 200m freestyle swim that saw British athlete Jamie Cooke shave a remarkable 1.11 seconds off his own long-course swimming world record.
Cooke said of his performance: ‘I am really happy. I had few aims for myself and I wanted to come for the experience really. It’s a huge event and my first World Cup Final, so it’s been great to just be a part of it.
‘The world record was incredible. After (being away with the GB team for) altitude training I felt a bit sore, but as soon as I dived in the pool I was on it.’
After the fencing and swimming, the competition moved to Greenwich Park where a 12-jump show jumping competition took place with Jinhwa Jung of Korea leaping to the top of the leader board after a near perfect round, in front of over one thousand people watching from the grandstand.
Kasza, who started the combined run/ shoot in second place, won the title after an impressive athletic display. Kasza said of his win and automatic Olympic qualification: ‘It’s very good. I love this city, it’s the first time for me being here (in London). It’s very important for me to like a city or a country, for example Portugal I have a good record in, whereas China I always rank in the middle.
‘The fencing was the best today, but the venue (Greenwich Park) was absolutely great, and the city is very beautiful. I am looking forward to coming back next year.’
Third-placed Woodbridge said of the day: ‘It was very special here in the centre of London. It means a lot – but this is only a qualifying phase and all I’m really looking at is next year’s Olympics.
‘It was another breakthrough – everyone here was pushing each other, everyone was focusing on themselves.’
Tomorrow’s women’s event begins at 7.55am with fencing and swimming at Crystal Palace, before moving on to Greenwich Park for riding and the combined run/shoot from 1.50pm. Spectators planning to visit Greenwich Park for the second day of competition should note all DLR services will be closed from start of service until midday.
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Category: London Prepares
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