Getting Started

How Do I Get Started?

The first step is to become a member of MPAWA; a membership form can be obtained from the Information page on this site.

New pentathletes typically build up to participating in all five disciplines of the sport. Unless a pentathlete is already a proficient show jumper and / or air pistol shooter, new pentathletes usually begin by competing in the swimming, running and fencing disciplines.

It is not mandatory to belong to a swimming or running club, however, pentathletes will need to join a fencing club.

When a pentathlete participates in the air pistol and show jumping disciplines, it is mandatory (at this stage) to join a pistol club, due to the firearms laws in Western Australia and be an Equestrian Federation of Western Australia (EFAWA) member.

To compete in interstate and in overseas competitions, pentathletes must have Competitive Pentathlete membership. All other pentathletes and supporters are welcome to join as Social members.

Training

In terms of pentathlon training, the aim is not to be the best in any one sport, but to be very good at all five pentathlon disciplines.

On the training side, pentathletes can do as much or as little training as they want to put in – but like all sports, training effort is reflected in results! Starting out, pentathletes would probably want to be training:

The timed physical components (swim and run) do require a little more training than the technical events of fencing, riding and shooting. It is a good idea to build up to this level and adjust the training over time. For example, until a pentathlete (or a parent, for pentathletes under 18) has a firearms license, training more than one session a week, may be difficult.

It takes at least 6 months to get a firearms license, under WA firearms laws. Pentathletes can still compete at interstate competitions whilst waiting to get a license!

Victoria has additional air pistols for people wishing to compete who do not have a license yet.

What Coaching is Available?

Because the sport of pentathlon is so diverse, no one coach can train a pentathlete in all five disciplines. You are very welcome to train with whomever you want to - coaching is a very personal thing and what works for one, might not work for someone else. However, if you are looking at how to get started with coaches that have an understanding of pentathlon, MPAWA can recommend the following clubs and coaches:

Swimming

City of Perth Swimming Club offers various swimming squads, depending on current swimming ability and level of fitness. For experienced squad swimmers, training is available at Beatty Park. Please see the City of Perth Swimming Club website for more information. Matt McGee is the head coach and Ian Mills is the National Age coach. Both coaches have extensive experience in coaching successful age and open swimmers.

Show Jumping

For those getting started in pentathlon, Philippa Willis operates out of the Goldwyn Equestrian Centre (on Hardwick Road in Millendon) just around the corner from the State Equestrian Centre. For more advanced riders with their own horse, Les Bunning provides coaching in Middle Swan and Brookleigh on a Tuesday night during term time. MPAWA can put you in contact with Philippa or Les. For insurance purposes, all pentathletes need to join the EFA (WA) at least as a basic member.

Running

MPAWA can put you in contact with a number of trainers familiar with Modern Pentathlon requirements, including CBD Health Spa. Contact MPAWA for more information.

Fencing

UWA Fencing Club is the home of Modern Pentathlon in WA. For pentathletes beginning to fence, please note the weapon used in pentathlon is epee! Please let the club know that you require epee training. Training at UWA is:

  • Mon 6 – 8pm in the UWA gym (for beginners) and the UWA Claremont Campus gym (for Epee State Squad members)

  • Wed 7.30 – 9.30pm at UWA’s Claremont campus gym (the old Claremont Teachers college )

  • Thurs 6 - 8pm at UWA’s Claremont campus gym

  • Sat 1 – 3pm at UWA’s Claremont Campus (all welcome!)

Shooting

Carol Tomcala is MPAWA’s shooting coach; she represented Australia in air pistol at the Atlanta Olympics. Due to WA firearms laws, MPAWA members join the Whiteman Park International Pistol Club as shooting members. Air pistol night is Tues night from 5.30pm and shooters must have commenced shooting before 7.30pm. Other training is available. Please contact MPAWA for further details.

Some MPAWA athletes join swimming clubs or running clubs, to enable them to compete in swimming and running competitions in WA. This is not compulsory, but it does depend on the rules of the club and the coaching staff.