Pentathlon scores hit in sporting world

SARASOTA — Accolades are streaming in for the organizers and team of hundreds of volunteers behind the Modern Pentathlon World Cup Final held in the Sarasota-Bradenton region June 6-8.

This was the first time the competition, a combination of fencing, swimming, shooting, running and equestrian show jumping, has been held in the United States in more than four decades, according to a release. Events were held at the Sarasota Polo Club in Lakewood Ranch and the Selby Aquatic Center in Sarasota. Former U.S. congresswoman and Florida secretary of state Katherine Harris helped bring the event to town, and led the volunteer effort to host the games.

“Unequivocally this was the best Modern Pentathlon World Cup Final ever held in the United States,” USA Pentathlon board chairman Barry Marchett says in the release. “These polo grounds are a world-class venue. The local organizing committee did a fantastic job planning the event; the volunteers did a fantastic job running the event; and, without Katherine Harris, none of this would have happened.”