Harland, starting the last of the five events in 14th place and 49 seconds adrift of third place, overtook 12 fellow competitors to win a medal. Harland, the world number one and European champion, appeared to have ruined her medal chances in the opening event, the shooting. She scored just 156 points out of 200 shots, leaving her in 30th place, third from last.
"I am so chuffed, really, really chuffed," Harland said.
"This morning it was all a bit rusty but in the pentathlon you never give up."
"When things were down I just kept reminding myself my best events were still out there - the running and swimming and riding."
"There was pressure on me to get a medal and maybe I lost it a bit in the shooting at the beginning but that's me - I like to keep everyone on tenterhooks right to the end!"