The modern pentathlon consists of competition in five events in one gruelling day. Competitors earn points for their performances in each of the five disciplines: shooting, fencing, swimming, riding and cross-country running.

The total points scored in the first four events determine the starting order for the final event, turning the cross-country into a handicap event.

The leading competitor sets off first and the intervals between that competitor and those who follow is determined by the points difference between them.

Because of this handicapping system, the first three competitors to cross the line at the end of the run fill the gold, silver and bronze medal positions.

Scoring was originally based on a competitor's placing in the various events, with the lowest score winning. It's now based on a scoring table similar to the one used in track and field for the decathlon.

Standards are set for each event and a competitor receives 1,000 points for equalling the standard. Points are added if the standard is exceeded and subtracted if the performance falls below the standard.

The events have changed somewhat since 1912. The equestrian event, originally a 5,000-meter cross-country ride against time, is now a 400-meter stadium jumping course.

The swimming event has been cut from 300 meters to 200 meters, the cross-country running event from 4,000 meters to 3,000 meters. The shooting event, originally a 22-caliber pistol shot from 25 meters at a turning target, has become a 10-meter air pistol shot at a stationary target.

Fencing is a series of one-touch bouts with épée swords. As in 1912, the fencing portion of the modern pentathlon is a round robin-tournament, with a single touch deciding each match.

The competition originally took place over a five-day period, with a single event on each day. Beginning in 1984, the pistol shooting and cross-country run were both conducted on the fourth and final day. Since 1996, all five events have taken place on a single day.