Joe Choong’s modern moves: Part 1

Joe Choong secured his modern pentathlon Team GB spot at Paris 2024 after winning gold at the 2023 European Games in Poland. The modern pentathlon is the multi-sport event that comprises fencing, swimming, equestrian showjumping, and a combined event involving pistol shooting and running.

“I started at school with the Schools’ Biathlon – that’s the entry level into pentathlon consisting of a 1km run and 100m swim,” Joe tells LK. “From there, one of the Team GB youth coaches invited me to a trial day where I got to try out shooting and fencing.”

Joe loved the challenge of becoming a master of so many sporting disciplines. He was soon chosen as a wildcard for the U17 European Championships in 2010 and ended up topping the podium much to his own surprise. Joe made his Olympic debut in Rio, where the University of Bath graduate finished tenth.

I can’t control how everyone else will perform – but if I compete to the best of my ability

Taking ownership

Ahead of his third Olympics, Joe reveals more about the unique demands of such a multi-faceted sport. “The key thing mentally is to take ownership of my performances,” he says. “I can’t control how everyone else will perform – but if I compete to the best of my ability the result should fall into place.

“If it doesn’t then it’s time to look at my preparation and I can do it differently, but on the day all I can do is the best my preparation allows and worrying about other people won’t change that.”

The pace of an event which comprises so many different disciplines helps Joe keep positive even when things don’t go to plan. “Competitions move very quickly and not everything is ever going to go perfectly,” he reflects. “Not dwelling on what’s happened previously is important – I refocus on the next event and what I can do to get the best result there.

“There is no such thing as a perfect competition, so there will always be areas where I can reflect and think about my performances.” Key to that improvement is the way Joe trains his body for a sport that requires a special blend of strength, stamina, co-ordination, endurance, agility and, well, horsemanship too.

“You have to work harder at some sports than others so it’s best to focus on your weaker events first. Also, you can’t rush the process – progress comes over time so don’t push too hard too soon or you can get injured.”