In what sport could you become an Olympian? When Ed Fernon asked the question, he got an unusual answer.
Modern pentathlon.
Five years ago, Fernon wanted to use his running and horse riding abilities and become an Olympian.
But he'd never picked up a pistol. Nor fenced before. Hadn't done much swimming.
But an uncle's suggestion to try modern pentathlon has been rewarded with selection for the London Games.
"I just thought I'd give it a go," said Fernon, the reigning Australian champion.
The 24-year-old, who learned to ride during school holidays on a friend's farm, joins Chloe Esposito as Australia's modern pentathletes in London.
And he reckons his compatriot Esposito can win Australia's first Olympic medal.
Esposito, a 20-year-old Sydneysider, came an encouraging eighth in the recent World Cup final in China.
Both Fernon and Esposito believe if she can nail her fencing, a medal is possible.
Esposito's father Daniel competed in the multi-task sport at the 1984 Olympics.
"Ever since I knew dad did pentathlon, I wanted to do it as well," she said.
Australia's best Olympic result in modern pentathlon is Peter Macken's fourth at the 1964 Tokyo Games.
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