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Joe Choong wins sensational modern pentathlon gold, makes more history for Team GB

Joe Choong has become the first British man to take individual modern pentathlon gold at an Olympics. Dan Mullan/Getty Images

Team GB's Joe Choong won the men's modern pentathlon gold at Tokyo 2020 on Saturday, becoming the first British man to claim the individual Olympic title in the event.

Choon's gold means Team GB won both Tokyo 2020 pentathlon events after Kate French stormed to first place in the women's race on Friday.

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Choong led the field following the fencing, swimming and showjumping disciplines, and entered the laser run with a 12-second advantage.

The laser run combines cross-country running and laser shooting, with four 800m laps separated by a shooting series where athletes have an unlimited number of shots to hit five targets.

The 26-year-old retained his lead throughout the first three laps of the run but was overtaken on the final lap by Egypt's Ahmed Elgeny.

However, Choong still had some energy left in the tank and surged ahead of Elgeny in the final 300m to clinch the Olympic title.

"I'm in shock. I was swearing in my head," Choong said. "There were a couple of heavy jumps on the ride, the swim was good, the fencing was good and the running was pretty tactical. The shooting was pretty sketchy but I pulled myself together.

"I've always said I wanted to be the best in the world. This is literally a dream come true.

"I couldn't let Kate have all the limelight. I felt the pressure to keep up with her and get one for the boys.

"Yesterday was an absolute rollercoaster. But Kate's run calmed me back down. She was a legend."

Choong's gold is Britain's second of the day after Galal Yafai won the flyweight boxing final. GB now have 62 medals overall, which is their fourth highest medal haul at an Olympic Games.