The modern pentathlon was composed of five events, show jumping, fencing, shooting, swimming, and running, with the individual points each competitor receives counting towards their nations final tally for each event, and ultimately the competition.

20 minutes before the event, the competitors were paired with their horses that they would ride through a random draw.

The event was contested as a single touch épée round-robin style tournament.

[4] The Swimming event commenced on August 30 at the Stadio Olimpico del Nuoto.

[5] The Running event commenced on August 31 at the Acqua Santa Golf Club Course.