decathlon

Decathlon is a men’s outdoor track and field competition in which athletes compete in ten events over two days. The events are divided as follows: Day 1—100 meters, long jump, shot put, high jump, and 400 meters; Day 2—110 meters hurdles, discus throw, pole vault, javelin throw, and 1500 meters. Points for each event are awarded using standardized scoring tables, and the overall winner is the athlete with the highest total points. The scoring system is designed to allow performances across different events to be compared directly.

In the event of a tie on points, the tie is typically resolved by the athletes’ results in one or more events, with later events sometimes used as tiebreakers, though the exact rules can vary by competition. The decathlon emphasizes a combination of speed, strength, endurance, and technical skill, making it a unique test of athletic versatility.

History and significance: The decathlon originated in the early 20th century as a test of all-around ability for track and field athletes and became a standard Olympic and World Championship event for men. It is governed by World Athletics, which maintains the official event list, scoring tables, and competition rules. The title associated with the event is often described as the pursuit of the “world’s greatest all-around athlete,” reflecting its broad skill requirements.

Women and related events: The standard international event for women is the heptathlon, a seven-event competition. A women’s decathlon has been staged in some competitions but is not part of the Olympic or World Championship program in the same way as the men’s decathlon.