2019 European Championships at University of Bath
The 2019 Modern Pentathlon European Championships proved to be a huge success both for the sport and the host nation when the Tokyo 2020 Olympic qualifying event took place at the University of Bath Sports Training Village from August 6-11 2019.
Dubbed “Gladiators Return”, it was the second time in four years that the National Lottery-backed Championships had been staged in Bath and saw Pentathlon GB – whose National Training Centre has been based at the University since 1999 – win five of the seven gold medals on offer.
They included a memorable men’s title for Jamie Cooke, the World Champion dominating his final from start to finish after what he described as “a perfect day”. He also secured a Tokyo 2020 qualification place for GB and won men’s team gold alongside University of Bath graduates Joe Choong and Tom Toolis, who finished fourth and 15th respectively. Sam Curry also made the final, placing 31st overall.
The women’s final saw Kate French win European silver for a second successive year, finishing behind Lithuania’s Laura Asadauskaite who won European gold in Bath for a second time. Jo Muir was fourth and Francesca Summers seventh as GB again won the team title, with Jess Varley also qualifying for the final where she placed 26th.
GB showed their strength in depth by dominating the relay competitions too, with Biochemistry student Myles Pillage – supported by a Trendell Sporting Scholarship – winning gold in both the mixed and men’s competitions alongside Kerenza Bryson and Team Bath Dual Career athlete Oliver Murray respectively.
Russia’s Ekerterina Khuraskina and Anastasia Petrova prevented a clean sweep as they won the women’s relay title, with GB’s Zoe Davison and Charlie Follett – a Psychology student – finishing fourth.
More than 150 athletes from 25 different nations competed in the Championships, which saw all five disciplines – swimming, fencing, riding and the combined run-shoot – take place at the Sports Training Village. The competitors also stayed on campus in student accommodation, making it one of the most pentathlon events ever staged.
News reports
Entry list announced: Olympic, World and continental champions among outstanding entry list for 2019 Modern Pentathlon European Championships in Bath
GB team announced: Reigning global champions among 13-strong British team for home Modern Pentathlon European Championships in Bath
Pre-event preparations: Stage is set for a big week of world-class sport as Modern Pentathlon European Championships return to Bath
“There have been great crowds and a really good atmosphere, so it has been a fabulous event for the city of #Bath.”
Director of Sport Stephen Baddeley reflects on a successful #ModernPentathlon European Championships at the @UniofBath STV #GladiatorsReturn #FeelPartOfIt pic.twitter.com/XTYYn1CtT3
— Team Bath (@TeamBath) August 12, 2019
