57th WMC Military Pentathlon - Halmstad (SWE) - Update Day 1
67th World Military Pentathlon Championship 2023 Declared Open with Grand Opening Ceremony !
HALMSTAD (SWE) - The global stage is set as the Swedish Armed Forces proudly announce their role as hosts of the esteemed World Military Pentathlon Championship. Athletes from around the world have converged in Halmstad, Sweden, to contend for top honors in the WMC Military Pentathlon, meticulously organized by the collaborative efforts of the Air Defense Regiment and Halmstad Garrison.
Marking its sixty-seventh edition, the WMC Military Pentathlon resumes its legacy after facing unprecedented challenges. Originally slated for Halmstad in 2020 and then rescheduled for 2021, the event was thwarted twice by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
As the saying goes, "third time's the charm." The anticipation and excitement are palpable as the championship kicks off, signaling a triumphant return to the sporting calendar.
In a triumphant celebration of international camaraderie and athletic excellence, the 67th edition of the World Military Pentathlon Championship (WMPC 23) was officially inaugurated on Monday evening.
Brigadier General Anders Svensson, Deputy Army Chief, expressed his sentiments during the Opening Ceremony of the event, held in presence of the Official CISM Representative and Board of Directors Member, Colonel Nathalie Birgtenzlen, stating, "We are now in motion, and the sentiment is truly invigorating. We eagerly anticipate the gathering of the world's military pentathlon elite in Sweden's welcoming embrace."
Anders Svensson further emphasized the championship's values, affirming, "Anticipate a display of remarkable performance and unwavering sportsmanship. The qualities of camaraderie, self-discipline, courage, and endurance, synonymous with our military profession, gain elevated significance in these tumultuous times. Our ability to convene and exemplify the spirit of friendship through sport is of paramount importance."
Under the overarching theme of "Friendship through Sport," the WMPC 23 carries the legacy of CISM, a prominent international sports organization established in 1948 for the armed forces of 140 member states. Colonel Nathalie Birgentzlen, the Official CISM Representative and Board of Directors Member, emphasized the organization's enduring commitment to fostering international camaraderie.
"As one of the largest multidisciplinary sports organizations in the world, CISM, over the last 75 years, has had the honor to bring the militaries of the world together on the sports field, reinforcing its motto of 'Friendship through Sport'," commented Colonel Nathalie Birgentzlen. "This week, the athletes will impress us with their demonstration of courage, precision, physical and mental agility across all five disciplines, all the while embracing the CISM values of Solidarity, Friendship, Respect, Equality, Integrity, and Determination."
With the championship's commencement, the athletes, friends, and competitors alike are reuniting after a prolonged period of anticipation and preparation. The shooting competition marked the inaugural event on Tuesday, rekindling the spirited connections among participants.
"We have all missed the connection with each other," summed up Colonel Nathalie Birgentzlen. "The athletes have certainly missed the competition and the possibility to show their performance and readiness to exercise the sport that they love, but also to meet and come together. There is a competitive edge for sure, but at the same time we meet as friends."
The week-long extravaganza commenced with participants' arrival on Sunday, followed by an intensive day of training sessions, welcome meetings, and a grand opening ceremony on Monday. The competitions are poised to launch on Tuesday, culminating in a gripping finale on Saturday.
The Military Pentathlon presents an arduous test of skill, featuring obstacle courses, shooting, grenade throwing, obstacle swimming, and cross-country running. The championship concludes with a pulse-pounding relay race on the obstacle course, showcasing athletes' versatility and teamwork.
According to competition director Jesper Lindberg, meticulous course testing ensures an exhilarating spectacle, with the promise of impressive performances throughout the competitions.
"The pentathletes are like a family where we all are included, competitors as well as functionaries," concluded Jesper Lindberg. "Now we just want to start and give the competitors a championship with the best competition conditions possible!"
Key venues in Halmstad, including the regimental area, Brottet Swimming Stadium, and Galgberget, will witness the action-packed events. The general public is cordially invited to join the thrills as spectators. Furthermore, the obstacle course competitions will be live-streamed, bringing the excitement to global audiences.
Enthusiasts are encouraged to partake in the following events throughout the week:
- August 23rd, 8:00 AM: Obstacle Course at the regimental area. Livestreaming on the Youtube Channel of the event !
- August 24th, 8:00 AM: Obstacle Swimming at Brottet Swimming Stadium.
- August 25th, 9:00 AM: Cross-Country Running at Galgberget.
- August 26th, 10:00 AM: Obstacle Relay at the regimental area (team competition not included in the pentathlon). Livestreaming link will be available on the OC Website.
This event boasts a diverse lineup of participating nations, including Norway, Bahrain, Italy, China, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Spain, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Latvia, Lithuania, Ukraine, Brazil, Finland, Germany, Colombia, Austria, and Sweden.
For additional information, media inquiries, and real-time updates, please visit forsvarsmakten.se/wmpc23.
(Source: Swedish Armed Forces)
