It means 7 different Pentathlon GB athletes have now taken World Cup medals during a remarkable 2019 World Cup season. It was also Curry’s first ever medal at senior level whilst Muir went one better than her World Cup mixed relay silver in 2017.

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Reflecting on their performance, Muir said “It’s an amazing feeling to win the gold medal today. We were both quite disappointed with our performances earlier in the week so it was so nice to have a good a competition. We’re both happy with our performances in every discipline so it was worth all of the hard work.”

Curry added “It feels like a massive vindication for both of us. I don’t think there was anyone on the GB squad who was hungrier than us for this. I messed up in the semi-final so I wanted to make amends today and Jo should have been top 5, if not medalling, in the women’s final if not for the ride so we’re thrilled to be able to put this together.”

Story of the Day

The mixed relay began in the pool and the Brits started as they meant to go on with a strong start seeing them record a time of 1:55.80, the third fastest of the day.

With gaps in the other disciplines often smaller than in the individual competitions, the fencing hall can often make or break a mixed relay team. Consistent scoring throughout ensured that Muir and Curry kept themselves in touch with the leaders as the British duo finished with 21 victories and 15 defeats from their 36 bouts. They were defeated by Italy in the fencing bonus round, but that was nothing to be ashamed of with the Italian pairing of Alessandra Frezza and Daniele Colasanti going on a remarkable, world-recording breaking run to claim 9 straight bonus round victories.

That left the Pentathlon GB duo in 4th after the opening two disciplines but things were extremely tight in the Czech capital with just one point separating 3rd-6th. That meant a good ride was required and University of Bath based Muir and Curry provided that, rolling just a single pole to score 293 points for their round, the second highest score of the day. That saw them move up 2nd in the overall standings heading into the laser run, although everything was still to play for with 15 seconds separating the top 5 nations.

However, the Brits made the run-shoot their own, Muir taking command and handing over to Curry with a healthy lead. That lead was one he never looked like relinquishing with some particularly impressive shooting ensuring the British pairing took an ultimately comfortable victory from Germany’s individual bronze medallist from yesterday Marvin Dogue and World silver medallist Annika Schleu with Egypt coming home third.

It was a 4th medal of an incredible bank holiday weekend for British athletes at World Cup 4 after Kate French took gold and Jess Varley bronze in the women’s final on Saturday and Joe Choong claimed silver in the men’s event yesterday.

The competition marked the final stop of the regular World Cup series with the next event on the calendar the World Cup final in Tokyo from 27th-30th June.

Courtesy of Pentathlon GB

12 months on from 2018 World Cup 4 victory in Sofia, the venue was different but result the same for French with a supreme display seeing the Brit top the fencing discipline standings to take control of the competition. From there, she never looked back despite a host of top names trying to track her down. One of those who came closest was fellow Brit Varley, an equally impressive display seeing the 24-year-old move up the leaderboard throughout the day, culminating in a brilliant laser run which moved her into bronze and the first ever World Cup medal of her career.

Behind them, Frankie Summers culminated her own impressive 2019 World Cup season with an 18th place finish in Prague whilst Jo Muir came home 22nd, the Scot one of a number of athletes to run into difficulties in the ride, the only thing stopping her also challenging for medals.

The results continued a remarkable World Cup season for Pentathlon GB with six different athletes having now claimed individual top 6 WC finishes. For French, 5th at the Rio Olympics three years ago it was also the timeliest of returns to form with Tokyo qualifying opening in seven days and a reminder to the rest of the field from the current European silver medallist of her position as one of the top modern pentathletes in the world.

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Commenting on her performance French said “The first two competitions of the season didn’t quite go to plan for me so I needed a good result. I’m super happy that I pulled everything together today, it’s been a good day all around and I’m obviously delighted to end it by taking victory.”

French added “The support has been brilliant this week. A lot of our families have come out to watch and you could hear them cheering us on in the run along with the coaches and support staff who were all around the track.”

Varley was understandably just as happy as her teammate saying “I’m absolutely over the moon with my performance today. I’ve been working for this for my whole life and I’m so excited that it’s finally happened and I’ve finished on a World Cup podium.

“This year I’ve gone from not really being anywhere to 7th at the last World Cup and now 3rdhere, so it’s all coming together at the right time.”

Varley concluded “I didn’t really think about the podium until the last run when I came out of the range in third. I had a wobbly shoot in the semi-final so I knew I had to shoot much better today and thankfully I did.”

Story of the Day

The women’s final began in the pool where all four British athletes began with strong displays. It was Dumfries’ Muir who led the way in 2:11.40 with French (2:13.12), Summers (2:18.27) and Varley (2:20.37) all in touch.

It was to be the fencing hall where the dynamic of the competition took shape, Gravesend’s French topping the discipline with 24 victories and 11 defeats in the ranking round before adding two victories in the bonus round, vaulting her to the top of the overall standings.

A best ever fence at World Cup level of 21 victories and 14 defeats saw Varley also make major ground with Summers (18 victories) and Varley (17 victories) also both well placed and inside the top 20 after the opening two disciplines in the Czech capital.

The early starters showed things were going to be tough in the riding arena and at the discipline’s conclusion, no athlete had managed a perfect clear round. However, Fotheringhay’s Varley still put in an extremely good performance to lead the Brits with a score of 290 points. French, last into the arena as the competition leader, knew the pressure was on but the 28-year-old has become accustomed to being in the limelight in recent seasons and another assured display saw her score 289 points to maintain the competition lead. Dorking’s Summers scored 282 to remain in the middle of the pack but it was Muir who was one of the athletes to lose out, unusually struggling in the riding arena as she could only score 246 points, seeing her drop down the overall standings.

Once again, French was calmness personified in the laser run, extending her advantage over those behind her throughout the 3200m course. A confident final shoot ensured there would be no dramas and the Brit eventually took victory by 14 seconds to claim her third World Cup victory in the last three seasons after wins in Cairo (2017) and Sofia (2018). In the same period, no other female athlete has recorded more than a single World Cup triumph.

Behind her, former World Champion Gulnaz Gubaydullina took silver but the battle was for bronze with a plethora of athletes in contention for the final spot on the podium. In the end, it was another Brit who came through, a rapid final shoot seeing Varley vault herself into third, a position she held to the line despite pressure from Korea’s Sunwoo Kim over the last 800m. After a best ever World Cup result of 7th last time out in Szekesfehervar, it was another major step forward for the University of Bath graduate.

Not deterred following the ride, Summers and Muir both made ground in the laser run too, with Summers crossing the line 18th and Muir 22nd.

French’s success meant athletes from four different European nations have taken women’s World Cup victories this season, a demonstration of the strength that will be on display when August’s European Championships are held at the University of Bath.

Sunday sees the men’s final taking place in Prague with Jamie Cooke, Joe Choong and Tom Toolis all in action for Pentathlon GB.

Courtesy of Pentathlon GB

Muir was naturally delighted with her performance in Poland, commenting “I’m really happy to finish inside the top 10 and there’s lots of positives I can take from the last 2 days.

“My fencing was an improvement on the last two World Cups and what pleased me most was that I was consistent all of the way through the ranking round. My swim was also a Season Best.”

After missing two weeks of training with concussion following a fall in the ride at World Cup 3, the Scot impressed herself in Poland, admitting “I definitely felt the effect of having two weeks off after Hungary so my aim heading into the competition was just to make the final which makes the top 10 even more special.”

Story of the Day

The Women’s final began yesterday with the fencing ranking round where former North Kent Modern Pentathlon Club athlete Summers surged into an early lead. Some excellent hits throughout saw the youngster secure 28 victories and just 7 defeats, 4 more victories than any other athlete in the field. 27-year-old Murray produced a positive fence of 18 victories, 17 defeats with 22-year-old Muir one hit further back, her best fencing performance at a World Cup this season.

After a rest overnight, Day 2 of the final began with the 200m swim where all three British athletes improved on their semi-final times. Murray, known as one of the best swimmers on the modern pentathlon circuit, clocked a 2:12:04, the 5th quickest of the day with Muir and Summers both swimming season best times of 2:16.61 and 2:20.96 respectively.

Neither Muir or Murray managed to add to their score in the fencing bonus round, but after topping the ranking round standings, Summers beat Francesca Tognetti in her sole bout to collect two further points. It meant Summers, who is currently studying in Paris, headed the field going into the ride with Murray 9th and Muir 18th.

With athletes beginning their ride in reverse order, University of Bath graduate Muir was the first Brit into the show-jumping arena and a good performance on her allocated horse Czardodziejka meant she knocked down just a single pole with two time faults to collect 291 faults. Fellow Bath graduate Murray also felled just a single pole and secured 293 points moving both Brits up the overall standings.

It was in the ride where Summers lost ground as an unfortunate fall at the double meant she suffered time and obstacle faults. However, the youngster showed plenty of heart to remount and complete the course with 219 points. The third discipline shook up the order dramatically and as a result Murray moved up to 5th with Muir 12th and Summers 20th ahead of the laser-run.

It was Scot Muir who led the British charge in the final discipline and after a slow first shoot, she started to pick up positions on each lap to cross the line a career-best 10th. With some exceptionally quick times from those further down the field, Murray crossed the line 18th and Summers 28th to round-off the regular World Cup season for Pentathlon GB athletes.

Italy’s Alice Sottero claimed gold with London 2012 Champion Laura Asadauskaite and Turkey’s Ilke Ozyuksel completing the podium in Drzonkow.

Report courtesy of Pentathlon GB

The British trio were all in the top 15 of their groups throughout the day as automatic qualification was assured. The youngest member of the team, Dorking’s Summers, crossed the line 7th in Group A with Murray and Muir 8th and 10th respectively in Group B.

Story of the Day

Frankie Summers (Photo: Pentathlon GB)

In Group A, 21-year-old Summers began in the fencing salle, continually picking up victories throughout. The former North Kent Modern Pentathlon Club athlete eventually finished with 20 victories and just 13 defeats, putting her in 10th position after the opening discipline.

A 2:22.19 swim, a season’s best after heading Heat 2 throughout, meant Summers who is currently studying for a Fashion Design degree in Paris maintained her position in 10th ahead of the laser run.

Summers was comfortable through the combined running and shooting discipline, steadily moving up the order after the first lap to cross the line 7th and book her place in the final 36.

Samantha Murray and Jo Muir (photo: Pentathlon GB)

In the Group B swim, Clitheroe’s Murray also produced a season best (2:12.17) with Dumfries’ Muir recording a 2:19.21 to finish the discipline 9th. After slow starts in their fencing, both Pentathlon GB athletes recovered admirably with London 2012 silver medallist Murray securing 18 victories and 14 defeats. Muir, who picked up a silver medal in the Mixed Relay at World Cup 2, finished the discipline with a level fence of 16 victories and 16 defeats meaning Murray was 4th and Muir 10th ahead of the laser run.

In the day’s final discipline, both athletes kept a comfortable gap to 16th, ensuring they could ease around the final 800m loop, crossing the line as part of a large pack inside the top 10.

Friday sees Men’s Qualifying taking place with Jamie Cooke, Joe Choong and Tom Toolis competing for Pentathlon GB.

The schedule for World Cup 4 from Thursday 25th to Sunday 28th May 2017 is as follows:

• Thursday 25th May – Women’s Qualification
• Friday 26th May – Men’s Qualification & Women’s Fencing Ranking Round
• Saturday 27th  May – Women’s Final & Men’s Fencing Ranking Round
• Sunday 28th May – Men’s Final

Pentathlon GB Women’s team:

• Samantha Murray, 27, originally from Clitheroe, Lancashire. Currently training at Bath NTC. London 2012 silver medallist and 2014 World Champion.
• Joanna Muir, 22, originally from Dumfries. Currently training at Bath NTC. 2016 World Championships Women’s Relay silver medallist & 2017 British Modern Tetrathlon Champion.
• Francesca Summers, 21, originally from Dorking, Surrey. Currently training at Bath NTC. 2015 Junior World Champion.

Pentathlon GB Men’s team:

• Jamie Cooke, 26, originally from Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. Currently training at Bath NTC. Rio 2016 Olympian and 2016 World Cup Final Champion.
• Joe Choong, 22, originally from Orpington, London. Currently training at Bath NTC. Rio 2016 Olympian.
• Tom Toolis, 24, originally from Romford, Essex. Currently training at Bath NTC. 2014 European Championships Men’s Relay bronze medallist.

Report courtesy of Pentathlon GB

The final started in the pool where London 2012 silver medallist Murray recorded the quickest time of the final in 2:11.00 to take an early lead.  French produced the 15^th best time of 2:18.82, slightly ahead of 20^th placed Summers’ 2:20.44 and 31^st placed Prentice’s 2:26.42.

In the fencing ranking round, French and Summers headed the GB challenge with 19 victories and 16 defeats each, results that placed them 11^th and 12^th respectively in the discipline. Prentice’s 17 victories  saw her pick up 202 modern pentathon points in 22^nd with Murray’s 16 victories leaving her in 26^th.

This meant Murray was the first Brit to enter the bonus round and she picked up 3 points with victories over Russia’s Anna Buriak, Hungary’s Zsofia Foldhazi and Ukrainian Valeriya Permykina. She was eventually defeated by another Hungarian, Sarolta Kovacs.  Prentice was next to return to the piste and defeated both Kovacs and Pole Anna Maliszewska. Summers then suffered the unfortunate injury with put an end to her competition. The current Junior World Champion was placed in 17^th position before her withdrawal. French defeated China’s Wanxia Liang to pick up a bonus point of her own.

This left Murray in 7^th, French 14^th and Prentice 31^st ahead of the ride where the three Brits came to the fore. Prentice’s round saw her pick up just 4 time penalties to score 296 points, the best ride of the day. Murray and French both knocked down one pole with two time faults to score 291 and finish joint 3^rd in the discipline standings. The strong riding meant all three GB athletes moved themselves up the order ahead of the combined event with Murray starting 2^nd, 16 seconds behind the leader, China’s Xiaonan Zhang. French moved up to 5^th and started the combined event with a 23 second handicap with Prentice 20^th, 52 seconds behind the leader.

A thrilling combined event followed with Prentice’s time of 12:12.30 the second quickest of the day and enough to move her up to 7^th overall. The three GB women were separated by the narrowest of margins at the finish with French being awarded the same time as Prentice and 8^th place overall with Murray a single second behind her two teammates in 9^th.

Performance Director Jan Bartu was pleased with the performances of all four athletes and commentated that he had seen “An overall improvement in all disciplines from all of the athletes”. Bartu was delighted with Prentice’s finish which saw her climb from 20^th to 7^th in the combined event and French’s “good day throughout”.

The GB performance director explained that Murray had been “suffering serious stomach problems” in the morning and there had been a concern that she would not be able to take part in the final. The difficulties unfortunately meant that Murray “lost physical power and was depleted” by the end of the combined event which contributed to her losing some ground in the final discipline.

The competition was won by Belarussian Anastasiya Propenko with Hungary’s Zsofia Foldhazi in 2^nd and France’s Julie Belhamri third.

The men’s final takes place tomorrow (Sunday 17^th April) with Jamie Cooke the sole GB representative.

Report courtesy of Pentathlon GB

Photo above of Freya Prentice