What is a decathlon?
A decathlon is a men's track and field contest with 10 events held over two days. Athletes earn points in each event, and the highest total wins.
Day one includes the 100 meters, long jump, shot put, high jump and 400 meters. Day two includes the 110-meter hurdles, discus throw, pole vault, javelin throw and 1,500 meters. Decathletes must combine speed, strength, endurance and technical skill, making it one of the most demanding events in sport.
Scores come from tables that award points based on performance in each event. The world record of 9,126 points was set by Kevin Mayer of France in 2018. The decathlon has been part of the Olympics since 1912, when American Jim Thorpe won gold.
World's greatest athlete
The Olympic decathlon champion has traditionally been called the world's greatest athlete. Women compete in the heptathlon, with seven events over two days. The women's heptathlon world record is 7,291 points, set by Jackie Joyner-Kersee in 1988.
Did You Know?
The name decathlon comes from the Greek deka, meaning ten, and athlon, meaning contest.