Decathlon

A decathlon is a huge track and field contest. The word means ten contests in Greek. Athletes compete in ten different events over two days. They run, jump, and throw in each one. The winner is called the greatest athlete in the world.

The Ten Events

Day one has five events: the 100 meter sprint, long jump, shot put, high jump, and 400 meter run. Day two has the other five: 110 meter hurdles, discus, pole vault, javelin, and 1500 meter run. Each event gives the athlete points. The one with the most total points wins.

Training and Skills

Decathletes must train very hard. They need to be fast runners and strong throwers. They also need to jump far and high. This means they practice many different sports every week. Very few athletes can be good at all ten events.

Fun Facts

• Jim Thorpe won the Olympic decathlon in 1912.
• Decathletes can score over 9,000 points in top events.
• The decathlon is only for men at the Olympics.

Did You Know?

There is also a women's event called the heptathlon, which has seven events instead of ten.