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pentathlon[pentath´lun] Pronunciation Key, composite athletic event. In ancient Greece it comprised leaping, foot racing, wrestling, discus throwing, and casting the javelin. The modern pentathlon, an Olympic games event for men since 1912, comprises a cross-country horseback ride, a cross-country run, a swimming race, EpEe fencing, and pistol shooting; women first competed in the event in the 2000 Olympics.
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