Bell, from Tampa, Florida, represents the United States and won silver in the Men’s Modern Pentathlon Relay at the last Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile, in 2023. University of Stirling athlete Tristen Bell has won the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) Modern Pentathlon Championships in style – breaking the record by 10 points. […]
Bell, from Tampa, Florida, represents the United States and won silver in the Men’s Modern Pentathlon Relay at the last Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile, in 2023.
University of Stirling athlete Tristen Bell has won the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) Modern Pentathlon Championships in style – breaking the record by 10 points.
He is now preparing for the United States Nationals, held in North Carolina in July, where he could qualify for the World Championships, taking place in Lithuania in August.
Bell, 23, put in phenomenal performances in both swimming and laser run to finish first in both events, and took second place in fencing and seventh in obstacles – giving him an overall score of 1435 BUCS points – reflecting a 10-second improvement on all previous records.
“A huge congratulations to him from everyone at the University – and we look forward to seeing what he can achieve across the rest of this year.”
At Stirling, athletes have access to world-class facilities, including a 50-metre pool, unrivalled outdoor space, and state-of-the-art strength and conditioning suites. In addition to its coaching and facilities, Stirling’s International Sports Scholarship Programme – one of the largest high-performance programmes in the UK – offers athletes funding support, academic flexibility, equipment and kit. It has supported hundreds of athletes since its inception in 1981 – with many competing on the world stage, including at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games.
Core sports include tennis, swimming, golf, football, triathlon, rugby and curling, while individual scholarships include modern pentathlon, fencing, BMX racing, and orienteering.
The American sports scholar took first place in the event – which comprises fencing, swimming, a laser run and an obstacle course – ahead of four University of Cambridge students.
David Bond, Head of Performance Sport at the University of Stirling – Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence, said: “Tristen is a brilliant athlete who works exceptionally hard in both training and competition. He absolutely deserves to be BUCS Modern Pentathlon champion.
Read more about sports scholarships at the University of Stirling.
Congratulations
Tristen Bell won gold with a record-breaking performance.
“This has been a great way to start my season and I’m excited for what there is to come later this year.”
Speaking after his win, Bell said: “I am absolutely delighted. I couldn’t have asked for a better competition – I recorded a personal best in my swim, beating my previous time by one second, and tied my laser run personal best.
Since last year’s Olympics, Modern Pentathlon has gone through significant change, with the traditional event of horse riding replaced with obstacle course racing. Given the changes, this has been a transitional year for Bell, who is in his final year studying Business Studies and Sports Studies.
