Plymouth modern pentathlete Bryson makes successful return to international competition

PLYMOUTH modern pentathlete Kerenza Bryson made a successful return to international competition at the weekend by finishing fourth in the women’s final at the UIPM 2026 Pentathlon World Cup event in Pazardzhik, Bulgaria.

Bryson had not competed since the 2024 Olympic Games final.

And since then the sport’s governing body has swapped the horse jumping discipline for an obstacle course.

A number of pentathletes retired ahead of the changes. Bryson did take time out to concentrate on her other career as a doctor, but has now returned to competition.

And she certainly made her mark in Bulgaria. She eased through the prelims and semi-finals and in the final was only beaten by Turkey’s three-time Olympian Ilke Ozyuksel, world number one Blanka Guzi of Hungary and highly-rated Egyptian youngster Ganah Elgindy.

Afterwards Bryson said: “After taking time out from the sport to work as a junior doctor, I genuinely didn’t know what this comeback would look like.

“Honestly, I’m surprised and really proud of this result – especially because this isn’t the same sport I left in 2024.

“There have been a lot of doubts, and a lot of questions about whether this was too much to ask of myself. But being back out there competing again, with this team around me, reminded me why this is still the best job in the world.

“A huge thank you to everyone at Pentathlon GB for backing me and fighting my corner since my return at the start of the year, and to my team at the hospital for supporting me in reducing my hours so I can chase the Olympic dream once more.

“A lot still to build on, but very happy to be back.”