5 Chinese athletes qualified for Olympics

LONDON - Five Chinese have qualified for the modern pentathlon events at the London Olympics, but only two of them can compete in London because of limitations, the sport's world governing body UIPM said on Friday.

"UIPM is very proud of the high level performances that all athletes chasing Olympic qualification have produced over the past 12 months," stated UIPM Secretary General Joel Bouzou, who himself competed in four Olympic Games.

"Nations from every continent will line up in London, proving just how globally diverse Modern Pentathlon is. I am confident that this group of athletes will make the sport proud at its 100 year anniversary of being in the Olympic movement" concluded Bouzou.

The athletes have earned qualification in the modern pentathlon event at London 2012 Olympic Games on 11-12 August 2012 through either continental qualification or the Olympic world rankings, which closed on Thursday.

These athletes now need to be selected by their respective National Olympic Committees to compete in London. As only two athletes per nation or region are able to line up in London, nations such as Russia, Hungary, Britain, Germany, South Korea, Italy and China, which have qualified more than two athletes, have to notify UIPM by 15 June, of the athletes they are selecting to battle for gold at Greenwich Park.

Once these countries and regions have selected, UIPM will release the second round of allocation on June 16, to fill up the 36 male and 36 female places available.