Modern Pentathlon Rankings

After four world cup competitions spanning the globe, Ireland have three athletes ranked in the top 50 in the World. Natlaya Coyle leads the way in 23^rd on the women’s standings, while Arthur Lanigan-O’Keeffe is close behind in 25^th and Eanna Bailey in 48^th in the Men’s rankings.

Coyle made three out of four finals in the 2012 world cup series, finishing 18^th in the USA, 32^nd in Brazil and an amazing 10^th in Russia. Coyle narrowly missed out making it a full house by one place on qualifying for the final in World Cup 3 in Hungary.

Lanigan-O’Keeffe, having never made a final before 2012, astounded the pentathlon world but qualifying for the first three finals in USA, Brazil and Hungary. His placings of 25^th, 20^th and 22^nd respectively, give an indication of the potential of an athlete who is still in a junior category for pentathlon. A slight muscle strain prevented him from contesting World Cup 4 in Russia as a precaution for the upcoming World Championships and World Cup Final competitions.

Bailey demonstrated the true nature of determination having missed out on finals at the first three world cup competitions by small margins, placing 17^th, 14^th and 18^th with the top 12 progressing to the finals. His fighting spirit was rewarded at the 4^th World Cup in Russia where he qualified for his first final at World Cup level. An impressive performance saw him finish the event in 14^th position giving an indication of what he is capable of for the future. While 48^th is probably not enough to qualify directly for the World Cup final, having a World ranking within the top 50 is hugely significant.

 With the top 36 athletes now heading to China to contest the World Cup Final at the end of May, Coyle and Lanigan-O’Keeffe can now book their tickets. World Cup Final is a level one competition and valuable Olympic ranking points will be at steak for the two young Irish athletes as they pursue their Olympic ambitions in China.

 For further information about the World Cup Series:

• www.pentathlon.org
• www.pentathlon.ie
• Facebook: search ‘Pentathlon Ireland’ pages
• Twitter: @Pent_Ireland

 

 

2012 Dates

 

• 8^th – 11^th March – World Cup 1. Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
• 15^th – 18^th March –  World Cup 2. Rio De Janerio, BRAZIL
• 12^th – 15^th April – World Cup 3. Budapest, HUNGARY
• 19^th – 22^nd April – World Cup 4. Rostov, RUSSIA
• 7^th – 13^th May – World Championships. Rome, ITALY
• 26^th-27^th May – World Cup Final. Chegdu, CHINA
• 31^st May – End of Olympic Qualification period