11/2/2026
When we protect our athletes, we protect Pentathlon.
Modern pentathlon athletes are truly the jacks and jills of all trades. Displaying their prowess in swimming, fencing, show jumping, shooting, and running, these athletes require a massive skillset, endurance, and versatility. From developing finesse in each discipline to training relentlessly to string together consistent performances, pentathletes must perform at elite levels to compete for points and against the clock. When we protect our pentathletes, we keep this sport safe and healthy for all.
Courage First Athlete Helpline
Use this resource if you are in need of confidential emotional support, crisis intervention, informational athlete-focused resources, and guidance related to concerns about any type of abuse.
The Courage First Athlete Helpline is a no-cost call and text service for anyone in need. +1 888-279-1026
Common Pentathlon Safeguarding Concerns
Abuse and misconduct can happen in all sports, at every level of play. Pentathlon has some specific vulnerabilities, such as:
- Pentathlon is a complex sport and has a high risk of overtraining and injuries. Injuries can leave athletes vulnerable to abuse. Inadequate injury prevention and treatment protocols may be signs of neglect in the sporting environment.
- In pentathlon, there is often pressure to increase the extremity of skills, which may place athletes at risk of injury or even death, especially if they do not understand all of the risks. Minor athletes, in particular, may not be able to fully understand and consent to risk and danger.
- Pentathlon athletes may place a high level of trust in their coaches. This could lead to psychological dependence, blurred boundaries, and/or grooming in the coach-athlete relationship.
What’s the difference between tough coaching & abuse?
The Coach Athlete Relationship Dynamics Diagrams below can be used as a gut check; consider the conduct you experience and observe in your sporting community, and discern whether what is occurring aligns with a caring and supportive coach-athlete relationship. For athletes who have unhealthy relationship dynamics with their coaches, inappropriate behavior can be subtle and difficult to discern. Awareness and prevention of these patterns of power and control help keep everyone safe.
Current Events
Unfortunately, news articles chronicling misconduct in sport and unhealthy coach-athlete dynamics are frequent and widespread. Abuse in sport has been occurring for decades, and the public is now becoming aware of these hidden situations as more and more survivors bravely disclose and report misconduct they have experienced. #WeRideTogether is committed to increasing awareness and continually updating this compiled list of current events on the topic of sexual abuse in sport. Sexual misconduct is happening across all sports, at all levels, internationally.
11/2/2026
Coach who sent teen 'inappropriate' Facebook messages banned from working with kids
10/29/2026
NCAA takes aim at online abusers threatening student-athletes through newly established Bad Actor Program
10/29/2026
Former McKinney ISD athletic trainer sentenced to 5 years for sexually assaulting student, prosecutors say
10/28/2026
Coach sentenced to 26 years for sexual assault of 12-year-old
10/22/2026
Athletic director arrested on alleged child sexual abuse charges, officers say
10/19/2026
Officials to reinstate some Penn Wood High School teams amid investigation
10/18/2026
Youth Sports Families Allege Travel Company Threatened Their Kids' Playing Status If They Didn't Pay Lodging Fees
Pentathlon Resources
Below are resources related to Physical Safety and Safeguarding within Pentathlon.
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Athlete Centred Platform
Safeguarding
Access online educational modules for athletes, coaches, and judges.
Hydration for Endurance Athletes
Physical Safety
Learn why staying hydrated while exercising matters.
Relative energy deficiency in sport (REDs)
Physical Safety
Gain an understanding of REDs, symptoms and causes of REDs, and prevention.
Survivor Stories
Survivors are increasingly stepping forward to bravely tell their stories. The following stories reflect the survivors’ personal experiences, as told by them, and may be triggering for individuals who have experienced sexual abuse or misconduct. All information has been anonymized.
If you are a survivor interested in sharing your story and learning more about this process, please reach out to us at info@weridetogether.today.
We want to hear from you!
You are not alone.
What resources or information do you want for your sport? Contact us and let us know.
If you or someone you know has experienced misconduct or abuse, please access these resources for help. For additional information on confidential helplines, sexual assault reporting procedures, and mental health resources, click the button below.
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