PENTATHLON NEWS - Whistles, cheers and world-class athleticism filled the air from 17 to 20 July as over 80 athletes from 21 countries competed in the U17 Modern Pentathlon World Championships.
Hosted at Reddam House, Helderfontein, the event was a high-energy showcase of fencing, obstacle racing, swimming and the demanding laser run.
South Africa proudly fielded both boys' and girls' teams, competing against strong contenders such as Egypt, Hungary and Italy. The girls' team delivered a standout performance, with Tatiana Thomatos claiming individual bronze.
Together with teammates Megan Kleynhans and Duné Haasbroek, they secured a silver medal in the team competition, proudly raising the South African flag.
The Garden Route was well represented by Johan Schoeman (Curro Mossel Bay) and Duné (Glenwood, George), who both competed with heart.
Unfortunately, the boys' team's podium hopes were dashed when Daniël Grové suffered an injury during fencing and had to withdraw. His teammates, however, continued with determination and grit.
Hungary's Nemere Szecsi stole the spotlight in the boys' category, clinching gold with a new world record of 1 508 points. He was followed by Arda Meric (Turkey) and Momen Abdelmgeed (Egypt). Hungary also claimed gold in the boys' team event.
On the girls' side, Egypt's Farida Khalil, nicknamed the 'Storm Girl', powered to victory, with Italy's Annachiara Allara taking silver and South Africa's Tatiana securing bronze.
Egypt, South Africa and Hungary placed first, second and third in the girls' team event, respectively.
With the world championships concluded, the attention now turns to Mossel Bay, where South Africa will host the 2025 Biathle, Triathle & Laser Run World Championships in December. The event will spotlight three of the pentathlon's fastest-growing disciplines: swimming, running and laser run.
Following South Africa's strong showing at the U17 event, the nation is geared up and ready to once again welcome the world to its shores.
