These will consist of the World Cup finals in both 2014 and 2016 as well as the first round of the 2015 Series, while the United States Olympic team trials ahead of Rio 2016 will also be held in the same venue. 

The International Modern Pentathlon Federation (UIPM) selected the town ahead of rival bids from Cairo, Frankfurt, Acapulco, Rome, Budapest, Minsk, and Buenos Aires.

It means Sarasota-Bradenton will be an essential stop in the build-up to Rio 2016 with the top 36 male and female pentathletes to compete at the World Cup finals ahead of the Olympics that year.

It should also provide an opportunity for the US team to improve on their performances at London 2012, where Margaux Isaksen led the way for a three-person squad as she finished in fourth place in the women's event.

Pentathletes competing in a 2013 World Cup event in the 2016 host city of Rio de Janeiro
©Latin Content/Getty Images


Following the decision being made, UIPM President Klaus Schormann described how "the pentathlon world is delighted to be coming to Sarasota-Bradenton, and looks forward to bringing the global pentathlon family to the United States."

He added: "The United States continues to play an important role in the Olympic Movement, and we support newly-elected IOC (International Olympic Committee) member and US (United States) Olympic Chairman, Larry Probst in his efforts to showcase all Olympic sports in his country."

USA Pentathlon Executive Director Rob Stull was also pleased that the country would once again be a major stop on the modern pentathlon circuit.

"For the first time in over 40 years, the international championship for one of the oldest and grandest Olympic sports will return to the United States," he said. 

"Sarasota-Bradenton's cohesive vision and exceptional presentation secured World Cup events in each of the next three years; an amazing feat and a significant opportunity for the growth of Pentathlon in the United States and throughout North America."

Senator Katherine Harris played a major role in helping Sarasota-Bradenton win the rights to host top international modern pentathlon events ©Getty Images

Stull credited Florida Congresswomen Katherine Harris for her "determined leadership in bringing together a dynamic local team and articulating an effective vision" to help bring the events to the region.

Harris predicted the local community would embrace the events.

"The Pentathlon brings together a diverse array of Olympic sports and their associated communities, giving our region a tremendous opportunity for exposure to a broad global audience," she said.

"Sarasota and Bradenton offer a unique sense of scale to this event.

"We have grown large enough to provide the necessary resources and support, but our small-town hearts will ensure that pentathletes and fans never receive greater attention or a warmer welcome."