
Kate French, a name synonymous with excellence in modern pentathlon, has announced her retirement from the sport after an illustrious career. The 33-year-old former Olympic gold medallist made the decision to retire following a remarkable journey that saw her dominate the world stage, becoming one of the sport’s most successful athletes. French’s career is marked by numerous accolades, including five world championship medals, six European gold medals, and a historic gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
The Glory of French’s Olympic Journey
Kate French’s rise to prominence in modern pentathlon is a story of hard work, dedication, and resilience. Her career reached its zenith at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 when she clinched the gold medal in what was a stunning display of skill and perseverance. The victory marked the culmination of years of preparation, hard-fought competitions, and a relentless drive to succeed.
At the Tokyo Games, French swam a personal best in the 200m freestyle, setting the stage for a commanding performance in the laser run, where she finished more than 15 seconds ahead of her closest rival. This stellar performance earned her a new Olympic record for the highest points total in the event, cementing her place in history as one of the sport’s greatest athletes.
French’s triumph in Tokyo came five years after a disappointing fifth-place finish at the Rio 2016 Olympics, a result that propelled her to work even harder to reach the pinnacle of the sport. Her perseverance paid off, and in Tokyo, French achieved the ultimate success, becoming Olympic champion and fulfilling a dream she had worked for throughout her career.
A Career Filled with Milestones
French’s journey in modern pentathlon began in 2007 when she joined the British Pathway Programme. It wasn’t long before she started making her mark in the sport, contributing to team success and making her presence felt on the international circuit. In 2010, French was part of the team that won the junior world title, a precursor to her continued success at senior levels.
In 2013, French achieved her first senior world gold medal in the team event in Taiwan. This victory was a major milestone in her career, as it showcased her potential as a force to be reckoned with in modern pentathlon. Over the next few years, French continued to collect medals at world championships, European Championships, and World Cup events, building a reputation as one of the top pentathletes in the world.
Her world domination reached its peak in 2021 when she was ranked number one in the world and claimed the World Cup title. French’s consistency and success over the years solidified her place among the sport’s elite athletes. Her achievements in the World Cup circuit were a testament to her skill and her ability to perform under pressure.
The Return to Competition and the Decision to Retire
After a break from competition following her historic gold medal in 2021, French made the decision to return to the sport in 2023. She competed at the World Championships in Paris, but illness hampered her chances of winning another medal, and she ultimately withdrew from the competition on the final day. French’s decision to return to the sport was driven by a desire to test herself and not regret not attempting to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Despite her best efforts, French announced her retirement following this return to competition. In an emotional post on Instagram, French shared her gratitude for the journey she had undertaken, saying, “I leave the sport with a heart full of happiness and a head full of wonderful memories.” She acknowledged both the highs and lows of her career but emphasized that it had been an amazing adventure. “I wouldn’t change a thing,” French concluded, reflecting on the incredible career she had.
A Legacy of Inspiration and Dominance
Kate French’s retirement from modern pentathlon marks the end of an era for the British athlete, but her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of pentathletes. Jamie Cooke, the head of performance at Pentathlon GB, praised French’s career, stating, “From a performance side Kate dominated the sport, and from a personal side she continues to inspire in the way she did it.”
French’s ability to balance the demands of modern pentathlon, a sport that requires excellence in five different disciplines—fencing, swimming, equestrian show jumping, laser run, and cross-country running—was a testament to her versatility and athleticism. Her dominance in the sport, coupled with her resilience and sportsmanship, made her a role model for athletes across disciplines.
Modern Pentathlon’s Future: Change and Challenges
As French steps away from the sport, modern pentathlon is undergoing significant changes, particularly in the lead-up to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. One of the most notable changes is the removal of showjumping from the five-event sport, which will be replaced by a Ninja Warrior-style obstacle course. This shift in format reflects a broader trend in sports to evolve and adapt to changing interests and demographics.
French’s retirement comes at a time of transition for modern pentathlon, and her departure leaves a gap in the sport that will be hard to fill. However, her influence on the sport is undeniable, and her legacy will inspire future generations to continue the pursuit of excellence in modern pentathlon. The changes to the sport’s structure could open up new opportunities for athletes, but it will be difficult for anyone to replicate the success that French achieved during her illustrious career.
A Fond Farewell to a Champion

As Kate French retires from modern pentathlon, her achievements stand as a shining example of dedication, skill, and resilience. From her early days in the British Pathway Programme to becoming an Olympic gold medalist and World Cup champion, French’s career has been nothing short of extraordinary. Her performances at the highest level of the sport will be remembered as some of the greatest moments in modern pentathlon history.
In her farewell message, French expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to compete at the highest level. “It’s been an amazing adventure,” she said, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and motivate future athletes in modern pentathlon.
As the sport evolves and new stars emerge, French’s achievements will forever be a benchmark for excellence in modern pentathlon. Her contribution to the sport, both on and off the competition field, will be remembered for years to come.