Nicola Benedetti competing at London 2012 Olympics?

7 August 2012, 11:40 | Updated: 7 August 2012, 11:44

It seems there's no end to Nicola Benedetti's talent. Professional violinist by day and... Italian Olympic athlete?

We know the young Scottish violinist has a hectic schedule, but we were more than a little shocked to hear Nicola Benedetti is in the running to win an Olympic medal for Italy in the Modern Pentathlon. Until we realised she shares her name with a superstar Italian male athlete.

Nicola ‘The Heron’ Benedetti, not to be confused with the musician, is the tallest modern pentathlete in the world, measuring in at 6ft 6. He’s competing in the London 2012 Olympics, and hopes to make it to the podium – as far as we know, his violin skills aren’t up to much.

Nicola and Nicola are unrelated, but they certainly share similar ideals. Both of their chosen disciplines take hours of practice and dedication.

We wish him the best of luck, but if he fails to win a medal, perhaps he can seek comfort in the relaxing strains of his namesake’s new album. The Silver Violin is released at the end of August.