Imagine lining up at an Olympic starting line with history all around you. When the modern pentathlon begins in London next year, the athletes of the world will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the sport at the Olympics. Contesting five disciplines in just one thrilling day, athletes will travel to three different Olympic venues on their journey to gold in London.

Among the athletes hoping to fence, swim, jump, run and shoot in London are Sydneysiders Chloe Esposito and Edward Fernon. The young Australians are getting ready to place their marks on the world stage and maybe even grab Australia’s first ever modern pentathlon medal. They are yet to be officially nominated to the AOC for Olympic selection but both earned Oceania qualification places with impressive performances at the 2011 Asia / Oceania Championships in China.

For Esposito, it created a new page in family history. Her father competed at the Los Angeles 1984 Olympics and narrowly missed out on the 1988 Games with an injury. He now coaches his daughter on her way to the Games.

“He has always been someone I looked up to, and I’ve always wanted to achieve what he did,” Esposito said.

“Since I was young I have always swam and run and I always wanted to ride, begging my dad to take me all the time. There were a few pentathlon comps in Melbourne which dad took me to. I just competed in the running and swimming events and watched the others. I really liked what I saw at the competitions so decided to pick up the other sports.”

While the lure of following in her father’s footsteps draws Esposito to London, the 19-year-old from Camden is a fortified athlete in her own right. Esposito is currently ranked the World’s Number 8 Junior Modern Pentathlete and holds a World Cup Standing of 14. Esposito could line up in London as just the fourth Australian woman to ever compete in modern pentathlon at the Olympics.

“Competing in the Olympics is something very special to me, where I can represent my country and fulfil my dream as an athlete,” Esposito said. “Seeing as my father had to withdraw from the 1988 Olympics due to injury it would be a nice gift to him, and I’m so happy about this.”

Her male counterpart Fernon was a late bloomer in the sport. Fernon began modern pentathlon at the age of 19 to challenge himself while living on campus at Sydney University’s St John’s College. Until then Fernon had never held a gun or picked up a fencing sword. To have performed so well at the Asia / Oceania Championships was a thrill for Fernon.

“That competition was not only immensely physically demanding but also mentally draining, with many twists and turns,” Fernon said.

“It is impossible to put words to the joy and elation you experience when you qualify and you know all the hard work and sacrifices have paid off. It was also particularly memorable being able to share the experience with my coach, family and some close friends.”

Fernon is now focused on training and competing in the USA and Europe to gain valuable World Cup experience leading into the Games. Balancing training for five sports as well as a Masters of Commerce is one of the significant challenges that Fernon faces on a daily basis, but the ultimate goal is worth it.

“I can still remember all the fond memories I have of attending the Sydney Olympics as a kid and being overwhelmed with the whole experience,” Fernon said.

“Now it is my chance to compete on the world stage with so many talented athletes. Not only the competition but the pride of competing for Australia and being able to share it with friends and family in such an amazing city like London will make it truly special.”

With one year to go until the Opening Ceremony in London, if these two athletes march into the Olympic Stadium you can be sure they will be surrounded by an elated support base.

Taya Conomos
AOC