Olympics: Spence eager to continue Britain’s pentathlon love-in

SCOTLAND’S world champion Mhairi Spence is determined to extend Britain’s successful Olympic record in the modern pentathlon after her selection for London 2012 was officially confirmed yesterday.

Britain have won four medals in female modern pentathlon since the women’s event was added to the Olympic programme at the Sydney Games in 2000. When that record was referenced yesterday by the Team GB chef de mission Andy Hunt, Inverness-born Spence turned to her team-mate Samantha Murray, the world bronze medallist, and whispered: “No pressure then!”

But Spence is also inspired by that legacy of success, which was kicked off by Stephanie Cook winning gold in Sydney and Kate Allenby claiming bronze.

Georgina Harland won another bronze for Britain in Athens and Heather Fell took the silver medal in Beijing four years ago.

“We have had really successful girls in the Olympics in past years. You can’t avoid carrying that legacy,” said Spence, who has painted her nails in British colours. “I hope we can do the other girls proud and carry on the success so they can say they were part of the legacy and we can say we are part of their legacy. In pentathlon, anything can happen on the day. You have got five events to get through, you could ride a strange horse. We are under no illusions that it could go one way or the other.

“It is important for the whole squad to have a successful Olympic Games, because it impacts on funding and things like that. Both Sam and I are going into the Olympics with that in mind and are determined to do everything we can to carry (the legacy) on.”