[vollmond]

Don't knock the penathalon. It's my favorite event. George S. Patton finished 5th in the 1912 Olympics, and with a better finish in shooting (he was only 20th) he would have medaled.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modern_pentathlon_at_the_1912_Summer_Olympics

[kevkrom]

I agree about enjoying the pentathlon! While it isn’t as grueling as the decathlon (or even the heptathlon), it is far more varied in the types of skills necessary, and its “story” of the skills needed by a military officer trying to escape from behind enemy lines is classic.

[karnage]

Patton’s training for the Olympics was very interesting. Not sure where I read about it - if in his autobiography, or in one of the other bios I read...

[Stingray51]

Out of respect for Patton, I hereby withdraw the claim that modern pentathlon is ridiculous. And offer synchronized swimming as a substitute.

[Joe 6-pack]

"...with a better finish in shooting (he was only 20th) he would have medaled."

That has been a matter of debate since virtually the moment the event was complete. The scorers/judges contend that Patton missed the target with one round. Patton insisted he placed two bullets through the same hole. IIRC, that would have made all the difference.