Decathlon

Decathlon

A decathlon is a combined event in athletics consisting of ten track and field events. The word "decathlon" is derived from the Greek words "déka" (ten) and "áthlon" (contest). Events are held over two consecutive days and the winners are determined by the combined performance in all. Performance is judged on a points system in each event, not by the position achieved.

Events

The decathlon consists of the following ten events:

Day 1

1. 100 metres
2. Long jump
3. Shot put
4. High jump
5. 400 metres

Day 2

1. 110 metres hurdles
2. Discus throw
3. Pole vault
4. Javelin throw
5. 1500 metres

Scoring

The decathlon uses a points system to evaluate the performance of the athletes in each event. The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) provides the scoring tables used to calculate the points. The athlete with the highest total points at the end of all ten events is declared the winner.

History

The decathlon has its origins in the ancient Olympic Games, where a similar event called the pentathlon was held. The modern decathlon was first introduced in the 1912 Summer Olympics in Stockholm, Sweden. The event has since become a staple of the Olympic Games and other international athletics competitions.

Notable Decathletes

Some of the most famous decathletes include:

• Jim Thorpe - Winner of the first Olympic decathlon in 1912.
• Daley Thompson - Two-time Olympic champion (1980, 1984).
• Ashton Eaton - World record holder and two-time Olympic champion (2012, 2016).

Women's Decathlon

While the decathlon is traditionally a men's event, there has been a growing movement to include a women's decathlon in major competitions. Currently, women compete in the heptathlon, which consists of seven events.

Related Pages

• Athletics
• Pentathlon
• Heptathlon
• Olympic Games
• International Association of Athletics Federations