Caroline Bangun Adapts to New Modern Pentathlon Format, Keeps Medal Hopes Alive

Competing at the Anjo Sports Centre in Aichi, Japan, on Thursday, Caroline placed eighth with a total of 1,351 points after completing the four disciplines of fencing, obstacle run, swimming, and laser run. Fellow Indonesian athlete Nurfa Qalbi finished 12th with 1,170 points.

The result was particularly significant as the Aichi-Nagoya Games marked Caroline's first experience competing under the revised modern pentathlon format, which replaces horseback riding with obstacle run and requires athletes to complete all disciplines within roughly 90 minutes.

"I am very happy because it was my first competition using the new format. Even though it felt very unfamiliar, I am proud of myself for completing the entire event today," Caroline said after the competition, as quoted by Antara.

She admitted that the updated format presented a different challenge because athletes have limited time to transition between events. "It was quite surprising because we had to move very quickly and rush to change clothes before entering the next event," she said.

Caroline's campaign began in fencing, where she advanced to the round of 16 before losing to Kazakhstan's Petrova. Nurfa's run in the discipline also ended in the round of 16 following a defeat to South Korea's S. Seoung.

Caroline then improved her standing in the obstacle run, finishing fourth among the semifinal participants, while Nurfa placed 10th. Her momentum continued in the swimming event, where she recorded her strongest result of the day by finishing second overall in Group A.

Nurfa also delivered a solid performance, placing fifth. In the laser run, which combines running and shooting, Caroline crossed the line in ninth place, while Nurfa finished 14th.

Despite securing a place among the leading contenders, Caroline said there was still room for improvement, particularly in her running performance and mental preparation.

"I want to improve my mentality and my running ability. Running is still one of my weaker areas, but in my stronger events such as obstacle run and swimming, I aim to consistently finish in the top five," she said.

Caroline described the level of competition at the Asian Games as intense, especially against athletes from China, South Korea, and host nation Japan.

"The competition here is very strong, particularly from China, South Korea, and Japan. They are the toughest rivals, but of course my goal is to become a champion," she concluded.

The semifinal result keeps Indonesia in contention as Caroline continues her pursuit of a podium finish in one of the most demanding multi-discipline events at the Games. ***