Modern Pentathlon: Five nations, one podium
China’s Yewen Gu and Egypt’s Ahmed Elgendy came away with the gold in the modern pentathlon mixed international relay at the Youth Olympic Games Buenos Aires 2018 on Tuesday 16 October. It was Elgendy’s second title of the Games, following his win in the men’s individual competition.
Modern Pentathlon
The pair, competing as Team 1, totalled 1,168 points across the four rounds, giving them victory by 12 points from Team 3, formed by Salma Abdelmaksoud of Egypt and Argentina’s Franco Serrano. Taking third place behind them, a further eight points back, were Laura Heredia of Spain and Poland’s Kamil Kasperczak, the two members of Team 4.
Yu and Elgendy led after the first round of the competition on Monday 15 October, scoring 260 points in the fencing event. Fifth in the swimming at the start of day two and then first again in the open-air bonus fencing round, the Egyptian and the Chinese sealed the gold with a solid sixth place in the laser run that brought the competition to an end.
“Although we’re from different countries, we’re fighting for the same objective, which is really nice,” said Gu, who was delighted to collect gold after finishing fourth in the women’s individual competition.
“It’s hard for me to contain my excitement,” she added. “This is a very important event for me and I’m delighted to have won the gold with Ahmed. I’ve learned so much at Buenos Aires 2018 and I feel it’s helped me grow as an athlete.”
The Egyptian was no less thrilled at his second gold of the YOG: “I’m delighted, very happy and very proud. It’s amazing to get another gold. Buenos Aires 2018 is a lot of fun and very interesting too. The atmosphere is incredible and the competition great. It was amazing to compete with a colleague from a different country, and she was a great team-mate too. Together we made a very strong team.
“I’m going to remember the Opening Ceremony and being Egypt’s flagbearer forever,” continued Elgendy. “I’ve really enjoyed Argentinian meat and the barbecue they did for us too. I’m so happy to be in Buenos Aires.”
After completing the laser run in the fastest time to clinch the silver for himself and Abdelmaksoud, Argentina’s Serrano had this to day: “It’s mission accomplished. Even though it’s a relay event and we’re working as a team, you’re all doing your own competition. You have to give your all for your team-mate and yourself.”