Five Friendlies

It's been too long, as always. But I was finally spurred into action by the exciting announcement of Beijing's mascots for the 2008 Olympics--The Five Friendlies!!!
Cleverly named after the syllables of the phrase "Beijing Huaning Ni" (Beijing welcomes you"), Beibei the fish, Jingjing the Panda, Huanhuan the flame, Yingying the Tibetan Antelope, and Nini the Swallow "carry a message of friendship and peace--and blessings from China--to children all over the world." More importantly, they are very, very cute.

Two questions: why does Beibei represent all the slightly violent Olympic sports?

And what the hell is "Modern Pentathlon"?