NEWLY inducted Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) competitor Amos Vagg has been laser pistol shooting, running, show jumping, epee fencing and swimming his way around the world.

He’s participated in Modern Pentathlons in China, Bali and Lithuania since 2019.

The dedicated athlete’s training includes, “swimming up to four times weekly before or after work as a lifeguard and swim teacher”.

He fences two nights a week in Newcastle and commutes most weekends to Sydney for additional training.

“I run and shoot up to three times a week whenever and wherever I can, [practice] ninja skills at local parks twice a week and visit a Ninja gym on the Central Coast fortnightly.

“I [also] horse ride two-three days a week courtesy of the awesome people around Anna Bay who let me ride their horses in a mutually beneficial arrangement.

“Their horses get training and care, and I get to hang out with the adorable guys whenever I want without the cost and challenges that presents.”

As a teenager, Amos was drawn into Tetrathlon competitions through his involvement with Pony Club Victoria.

The cool appeal of shooting only amplified his progression into Tetrathlon where he quickly achieved Reserve Champion at the nationals in 2019; champion in 2021; and reserve champion again in 2023.

The only fencing coach in Amos’ hometown was coincidentally a teacher at his high school who also coached the Pentathlon team for the Athens Olympics.

“I had a great head start there,” he said.

Amos has continued competing in the Pony Club tetrathlon, and recently returned from a month of travelling Ireland and the UK, competing against other Pony Club members from across the world in the international exchange.

“It was one of the best experiences of my life. Just spending time in incredible places with the kindest community of people, all with a passion for horses and a willingness to try a bit of anything else, was incredible.”

Amos’ primary goal is to keep improving.

“There is nothing more satisfying than pushing yourself physically and mentally… and watching your limits expand.”

Amos was originally aiming to compete in the 2028 LA Olympics in the Modern Pentathlon, but his favourite discipline of horse riding was dropped after the Paris Games.

Although disappointed that riding has been eliminated, Amos appreciates the opportunity for a new demographic of athletes to master new feats of athleticism.

Instead, he has picked up the new sport of Obstacle Racing, and is training and studying diligently to perfect his abilities across all disciplines.

If he can afford it, he will head into 2026 working to become a fulltime athlete in the lead-up to the LA Olympics.

Amos is keen to see a Pentathlon community develop in Newcastle and across NSW.

He has been running small “come and try days “across the state, ranging from a handful of people shooting after a parkrun to a more formal event in Canberra where there were over 40 people running, shooting and fencing for the first time.

He is organising the first events the state has held in several years, starting with a triathle (a sub-sport of modern pentathlon) and a laser run at Lakeside Leisure Centre on 8 December between 10am – 4pm.

If you’d like to explore the possibility of participating in Pentathlon, or any combination of sports, reach out to Amos on the day.

By Jacie WHITFIELD