dekathlon

Dekathlon, often spelled decathlon in English, is a multi-discipline track and field competition in which athletes compete in ten events over two days. Competitors accumulate points in each event according to a standard scoring table, and the athlete with the highest total points is the winner. The term derives from Greek deka (ten) and athlos (contest).

The ten events are distributed over two days as follows: Day one features the 100 meters, long jump, shot put, high jump, and 400 meters. Day two includes the 110 meters hurdles, discus throw, pole vault, javelin throw, and the 1500 meters.

Scoring is performance-based rather than by fixed times or distances. Each event has a points formula; performances are converted into points using official tables maintained by World Athletics. The sum of points from all ten events determines the final ranking. Rules for each event follow standard track and field competition regulations.

History and significance: The modern decathlon was introduced to the Olympic program in the 1912 Summer Games in Stockholm, where Jim Thorpe won the event. The decathlon has since been regarded as a test of versatility, combining speed, strength, technique, and endurance. Notable decathletes include Daley Thompson, Roman Šebrle, Ashton Eaton, and Kevin Mayer, who holds the world record score of 9,126 points.

Variants and related terms: The standard term in English is decathlon, though dekathlon appears as an alternative spelling in some contexts or languages. The women's equivalent is the heptathlon, a seven-event competition.