Celebrating Excellence: Recap of the 2023 UIPM Modern Pentathlon & Laser Run World Championships.
As the official team kit and apparel manufacturer of the esteemed Pentathlon GB team, and official merchandiser & retailer of the UIPM Modern Pentathlon World Championships kit, Scimitar Sportswear takes immense pride in recounting the exhilarating journey that unfolded at the 2023 Championships held at the University of Bath. The event was a testament to the spirit of athletic prowess and camaraderie, with the home team showcasing their exceptional skills on the international stage.
Unrivaled Performance by Team GB
A seven-strong Pentathlon GB squad emerged as a formidable force during the home UIPM Modern Pentathlon World Championships. This exceptional team secured spots in both the women’s and men’s finals, promising a day of intense competition and nail-biting action.
The finals, often dubbed “Super Sunday,” saw athletes from around the world vie for World titles and the coveted Olympic qualification slots. Notably, Pentathlon GB stood out as the only women’s team with all four athletes successfully qualifying for the final, substantially boosting their chances of securing a spot at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Leading the Charge: Pentathlon GB Women’s Team
The women’s event saw Kerenza Bryson, Olivia Green, Jess Varley, and Emma Whitaker position themselves strongly after the fencing qualification. Their tenacity and skill shone through, particularly evident in Bryson’s dominant performance in the bonus round fencing, ultimately clinching the discipline’s top spot.
A well-executed swim segment set the stage for the laser run, where Olivia Green commenced in fourth, Kerenza Bryson in sixth, Jess Varley in eleventh, and Emma Whitaker in thirteenth. The final run-shoot discipline witnessed remarkable tenacity, with Varley and Whitaker securing commendable ninth and tenth positions, respectively.
Kerenza Bryson emerged as a standout performer, sealing her day of triumph with a well-deserved bronze medal and an invaluable qualification quota for the Paris 2024 Olympics. The collective effort of the Pentathlon GB women’s team was rewarded with a silver team medal, a testament to their dedication and teamwork.
Reflecting on her victory, Bryson remarked, “The support of the crowd and the unwavering encouragement uplifted my spirit. This journey wouldn’t have been possible without the backing of friends, family, sponsors like Scimitar Sportswear, and the Pentathlon GB family.”
Joe Choong: Defending the Crown
The men’s final showcased the prowess of a British trio: Charlie Brown, Myles Pillage, and the reigning Olympic Champion, Joe Choong. Fencing qualifications positioned Joe for a strong start, followed by an impressive ride where he incurred only a minor deduction. His fellow teammates, however, faced challenges during the run, accumulating deductions.
An outstanding swim performance, particularly by Myles Pillage, set the stage for the decisive laser run. Joe Choong, despite a season plagued by injury, displayed remarkable resilience and determination. With a 10-second head start in the combined run-shoot, Joe secured a monumental victory, defending his UIPM Modern Pentathlon World Championship title and solidifying his status as reigning World and Olympic Champion.
Teammates Myles Pillage and Charlie Brown also delivered commendable performances, collectively securing the silver team medal for GB. Joe Choong expressed his astonishment at his victory, stating, “This journey has been filled with challenges, and to emerge victorious is beyond words. The support of the crowd and the entire Pentathlon GB family has been unparalleled.”
Reliving the Moments
As the curtains drew close on the exhilarating UIPM Modern Pentathlon World Championships 2023, we invite you to relive these moments of triumph and camaraderie. Scimitar Sportswear is honored to have been part of this incredible journey, supporting the Pentathlon GB team as they demonstrated exceptional skill and unwavering determination.
Although the event has concluded, the spirit of the championships lives on through exclusive merchandise available at the Pentathlon GB site. If you didn’t get the chance to get your official merchandise at the event, don’t worry. You can shop the full collection by clicking here.
Photos: (UIPM World Pentathlon / Nuno Gonçalves).
