International University Open starts Modern Pentathlon events in FISU

LAUSANNE – The capital city of the state of Morelos, Cuernavaca, has welcomed 32 athletes representing 6 countries and from 20 higher education institutions at the International University Open, the first Modern Pentathlon event in FISU. The event, organised under the supervision of the UIPM (Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne), in partnership with the Mexican Modern Pentathlon Federation and CONDDE, the Mexican University Sports Federation, is a test event for a sport that has joined FISU in May 2014 and that will host its first World University Championship in 2018.

The men’s competition started after the customary opening ceremony, attended by local city and university authorities. Athletes first took to the swimming heats and soon after to the fencing pistes, complemented by the bonus round. The morning disciplines effectively set them up for the run and shoot combined event that took place in an urban setting in midtown Cuernavaca.

Local student-athlete Andres GARZA (Escuela Nacional de Entrenadores Deportivos, MEX) beat all the competitors after a thrilling final, having started the combined event in 11th place. Fellowmen Diego ARRIAGA (Universidad Anáhuac, MEX) and Jonnatan ORTEGA (Universidad del Valle del Mexico) were 2nd and 3rd respectively. The winner, Andres GARZA, mentioned how honoured he was to have won the event because it was at home but also because it was the first university edition.

Eliani Cámara (CUB) and Ayumu SAITO (JPN) during the run-shooting combined event 

On day two, Katia MARTINEZ (Universidad del Valle de Mexico, MEX) claimed the host nation’s second gold by winning the Women`s Individual Competition, beating her fellow countrywoman Mariana ARCEO (Centro Iberoamericano de Ciencias del Deporte, MEX). In third place was taken by Eliani CÁMARA (Instituto Superior de Cultura Física Manuel Fajardo, CUB) who overcame the Monet MOREAU (University of the Incarnate Word, USA) in the final stages of the combined run/shoot. Katia MARTINEZ stated how happy she was to win this inaugural university event and how her coaches had seen this an important preparation event for the World Junior Championships also taking place in Mexico.

Mixed Relay competition podium with Canada (silver), Mexico (gold) and Cuba (bronze) 

The Mixed Relay competition closed the programme of the International University Open with a spectacular performance of the home team composed of Kelly MENDONZA and Andres GARZA. The duo completed a stunning victory after starting the Combined Event in fourth place. Canadians Beatrice CIGAGNA and Garnett STEVENS finished second, followed by Eliani CÁMARA and Jose FIGUEROA from Cuba.