British squad named for Modern Pentathlon European Championships at University of Bath
An eight-strong Pentathlon GB squad has been announced for next month’s European Championships, taking place at the University of Bath.
London 2012 silver-medallist Samantha Murray and University of Bath students Tom Toolis and Joseph Choong are among those looking to secure a Rio 2016 qualifying place at their home training venue.
Pentathlon GB Performance Director Jan Bartu said: “Bath is the home of the GB team and this is only the second time the Europeans have been held in the UK, so this is a rare opportunity for the pentathletes to by cheered on by so many British supporters.
“Everyone has pushed incredibly hard this year, especially with the Europeans in mind as not only are the championship titles up for grabs but this will also be one of the best opportunities for the team to try and achieve the Olympic qualifying standard.”
Murray, a French & Politics graduate from the University of Bath, was crowned World Champion in 2014 and finished fifth at this year’s event in Berlin.
She is joined in the women’s team by Sports Performance graduate Kate French and 19-year-old Francesca Summers, a silver-medallist at last year’s Youth Olympic Games.
The fourth squad place will be filled by Freyja Prentice, who is returning to the sport after a period of injury, or fellow University of Bath graduate Mhairi Spence, who was World Champion in 2012.
The men’s team will feature multiple World Cup winner Jamie Cooke and double Olympian Nick Woodbridge.
Joseph Choong and Tom Toolis, who are studying Mathematical Sciences and Sport & Exercise Science respectively, complete the squad.
British pentathletes had a disappointing World Championships in Berlin earlier this month and will be looking to make amends when the European Championships take place at the Sports Training Village from August 18-23.
Tickets are on sale now and spectators will be able to see more than 100 world-class athletes from across the continent – including reigning World and Olympic champions – compete in the five disciplines of fencing, swimming, show jumping, shooting and running, all in one day.
The fast-paced team relays will take place throughout the week before the individual finals are staged at the weekend.
The venue will include a bespoke spectator’s village offering family entertainment and hospitality, with a bird’s eye view of the main sporting arena. Visitors will also have the opportunity to try their hands at some of the challenging disciplines.
Tickets are priced from just £6 with under-18s welcomed for £1 each and can be bought from www.pentathlongb.org/euros2015. For more information check out @Euros2015 or www.facebook.com/MPEC2015
Team Bath and Pentathlon GB are also teaming up to offer under-18-year olds the chance to experience what it’s like to compete as a modern pentathlon athlete. For more information, see our Compete like a modern pentathlon athlete at the STV during the 2015 European Championships page.
The Modern Pentathlon European Championships forms part of the UK Sport’s £27 million National Lottery funded #EveryRoadtoRio campaign, designed to help athletes qualify and prepare for Rio 2016.
