In a groundbreaking performance for Brazilian sport, Isabela Abreu and Danilo Fagundes secured Olympic qualification for the Paris 2024 Games following standout results at the 2024 UIPM Modern Pentathlon World Cup Final, held in Ankara, Turkey.
This marks the first time in history that Brazil qualifies both a male and a female athlete in modern pentathlon for the same Olympic edition — a major achievement for the country in one of the most demanding disciplines of the Olympic program.
Five Disciplines, One Dream
Modern pentathlon combines five sports into one competition: fencing, swimming, equestrian show jumping, running, and laser pistol shooting — testing the all-around versatility and resilience of each athlete.
Isabela Abreu’s Road to Paris
Abreu, 26, delivered a career-best performance, finishing 6th overall and securing one of the final Olympic spots available. Her highlights included:
- A dominant swim segment (2:09.85 in 200m freestyle)
- +230 points in fencing with 21 victories
- A flawless show jumping round
- A strong laser-run finale where she overtook three athletes in the last lap
After the race, she stated:
“It’s a dream come true. Years of sacrifice paid off in one moment. Now I’m not just going to Paris — I’m going to fight for a final.”
Danilo Fagundes Makes History
Fagundes, 29, finished 8th in the men’s event, narrowly securing qualification after a dramatic final fencing bout that tipped the ranking in his favor. This will be his first Olympic Games.
Coach Rodrigo Corrêa praised his performance:
“Danilo showed incredible mental strength. This is what modern pentathlon is — control under chaos.”
A New Era for Brazilian Pentathlon
These results are the culmination of over a decade of investment by the Brazilian Modern Pentathlon Confederation (CBPM), including:
- Establishment of national training centers in Recife and Belo Horizonte
- International technical exchanges with Hungary and Great Britain
- Multi-sport talent ID programs in high schools and military academies
- Integration of sports psychology and nutrition into daily training
Brazil now ranks among the top 12 countries globally in UIPM Olympic qualification standings.
What Comes Next: Olympic Preparation
With Olympic slots confirmed, Abreu and Fagundes will begin a specialized program for Paris:
- Training at altitude in Font-Romeu, France, to simulate Parisian conditions
- Tactical fencing clinics with elite European coaches
- Cross-discipline simulation days for competition tempo and transition readiness
- Detailed study of the Olympic venue layout at the Château de Versailles complex
Both athletes will compete in one final test event in Germany before tapering for the Games.
Inspiring a New Generation
Their qualification has sparked a surge of interest in modern pentathlon in Brazil, with:
- New introductory programs being launched in public schools
- Military sport institutions expanding pentathlon scholarships
- Increased media coverage and sponsorship discussions with national brands
Isabela Abreu shared a final message:
“This is for every athlete who doesn’t fit into just one box. Pentathlon is our space. And now, it’s Brazil’s space on the Olympic map.”
Conclusion: Complete Athletes, Complete Commitment
With their qualification for Paris 2024, Isabela Abreu and Danilo Fagundes have redefined what’s possible for Brazil in one of the most complex Olympic sports.
They are swimming, fencing, riding, shooting, and running into a new chapter — one where Brazil competes not just for presence, but for prestige.