Olympic athletes come to Sarasota for Pentathlon

SARASOTA (FOX 13) - Athletes from around the world have descended upon Sarasota for a modern-day Greek Olympics - the World Cup Pentathlon.

Many of the competitors will end up in Rio for the Olympic Summer Games.

Seth Kelsey is a coach for the USA Pentathlon team. He said for many of the athletes who have not secured spots to the summer Olympics in Rio, this is their chance.

"This is the last chance for them to do it," said Seth Kelsey. "Every touch is important, every second in the swim, every rail on the ride."

Athletes must compete in five events of the modern Pentathlon. That includes swimming, fencing, riding, running and shooting. They are doing it all at Nathan Benderson Park and Potter Park in Sarasota County.

"When you are up there, the whole crowd goes silent and you are just seeing a very small picture," said Kelsey.

This is the third and final year the Pentathlon will be held in Sarasota County. Organizers said it has had a $5 million impact on the area. Four events are held at Nathan Benderson Park.

"You get to meet friends and competitors from all over the world. and we are all coming together due to the same thing. and that's represent our countries in sport," said athlete Logan Storie.

Many of the athletes are top competitors in their countries - the best of the best.

"These athletes, you could see Olympic champions, world champions and medalist of Olympic championships. These are really the top of the top athletes here," said Dr. Klaus Schormann, the international president of the modern Pentathlon.

The competition lasts through Sunday, when there will be a closing ceremony. Tickets for the events are still available.