VERSAILLES — South Korean pentathlete Seong Seung-min achieved a historic feat on Sunday by becoming the first Asian woman to win a medal in modern pentathlon at the Olympics. At just 21 years old, Seong captured the bronze in the event held in Versailles, trailing behind gold medalist Michelle Gulyas of Hungary and silver medalist Elodie Clouvel of France.
According to Yonhap News Agency, this milestone marks just the beginning of her aspirations in the sport. "I still think I have room to grow," Seong stated after the event, holding her medal. "My next goal is to go for the gold medal at the Los Angeles Olympics in four years. I am not going to be complacent, and I will try to keep improving." This declaration comes after a standout season where Seong also secured her first world title, positioning her as a strong contender in Paris.
Seong's journey to the podium in Paris included robust performances across the five disciplines of modern pentathlon. She was in third place after the initial events of equestrian show jumping, fencing, and freestyle swimming. However, during the laser run—a combination of running and shooting—Seong faced challenges that slightly set her back, yet she managed to secure a podium finish. "I was so exhausted after crossing the line, and I could barely celebrate," she reflected. "I thought maybe I should have trained harder, but I don't have regrets."
One of Seong's standout performances came in the show jumping event, where she scored a perfect 300 points—a significant improvement given her past difficulties in this area. Notably, this Olympics will be the last to feature horse riding in modern pentathlon, as obstacle racing will replace show jumping in the 2028 Games. "As athletes, we have to adjust to changes," Seong commented. "I'll do my best in the new event, too."
Seong's historic achievement has not only brought pride to South Korea but has also broken a long-standing dominance of European athletes in modern pentathlon since its Olympic debut in 2000. With her eyes now set on Los Angeles, the young athlete is determined to continue her ascendancy in the sport, aiming for even greater success in the coming years.