Modern marvel

Sunday evening marked the end of an international competition for the ultimate athlete.

Nathan Benderson Park hosted the Modern Pentathlon World Cup No. 1 Feb. 18 through Feb. 22.

The event kicked off with an opening ceremony and a parade of 262 athletes Feb. 17, at the Ringling Museum of Art.

Pentathletes competed in swimming, fencing, running/shooting and horse jumping.

Katherine Harris, chairwoman of the Sarasota Bradenton Modern Pentathlon Organizing Committee, said the event helped show the world what the region has to offer.

“Now everyone knows why we’re happy here; it’s our slice of paradise,” she said.

The event was a precursor to the Modern Pentathlon World Cup in 2016, which is the qualifier for the 2016 Olympics.

The best finish from a U. S. athlete was second place by Margaux Isaksen.

BY THE NUMBERS
262 - Participating athletes

5 - Events: swimming, equestrian, fencing, running and shooting

33 - Countries participating

Top 3 Women
First: Samantha Murray, Great Britain

Second: Margaux Isaksen, United States

Third: Kate French, Great Britain

Top 3 Men
First: James Cooke, Great Britain

Second: Egor Puchkarevskiy, Russia

Third: Ilia Frolov, Russia