Modern Pentathlon European Championships

Ross Charlton at the Modern Pentathlon European Championships (Photograph courtesy of John Charlton)

At the Modern Pentathlon European Championships which were held in Kaunas, Lithuania between the 10th June
and 15th June 2019. Morpeth Harrier’s Ross Charlton produced the fastest laser run in the Final
of the Under 19 European Championships.

Despite searing heat of 34 degrees, Ross completed the 4x800m cross country run
interspersed with hitting the shooting targets in 11mins 58secs.

Story of the Day

Ross and team-mate George Simpson finished 7th in Monday’s U19 boys’ relay
and came through qualifying on Wednesday, so they were competing for the third time this week in Kaunas.

​However, there was no sign of fatigue as both Brits improved on their qualifying times in the 200m swim, with George recording a 2:19.14 and Ross a long course pb of 2:20.25.

Ross Charlton and George Simpson in Lithuania (Photograph courtesy of Evaldas Semiotas/LMPF)

It was the fencing hall that proved to be toughest for the Pentathlon GB duo, with their inexperience at international level showing. However, there was no doubting the commitment of the youngsters,
with George ending the discipline with 11 victories and Ross 6.

That meant Whitgift Modern Pentathlon Academy’s George sat 35th with Pentathlon Newcastle’s Ross 36th after the opening two disciplines, with both athletes having their sights firmly set of those ahead of them in the laser run.
A blistering run-shoot from 17 year old Ross, the quickest of the day saw him make-up significant ground on those around him, crossing the line 30th on just his second international appearance. A strong final discipline from George also saw him make ground as the 17-year-old ended his own major championship debut in 34th.

In the U17 Boys category, another Morpeth Harrier, Sam Tate was also enjoying his first major Championship. Sam finished 36th/48 – with a fabulous 2.08 swim & 10.28 for 3x800m Laser Run.

On Saturday, Sam was in action again in the mixed relay where he and
​partner Larissa Hannam finished a very creditable 7th.