About Decathlon


 

The decathlon is a combined event in athletics consisting of ten track and field events. The word decathlon is of Greek origin, from δέκα (déka, meaning “ten”) and ἄθλος (áthlos, or ἄθλον, áthlon, meaning “feat”). Events are held over two consecutive days and the winners are determined by the combined performance in all.

Are decathletes the best athletes in the world?

“You, sir, are the World’s Greatest Athlete” King Gustav V of Sweden to Jim Thorpe after he won the decathlon at the 1912 Olympics in Stockholm.

Check out 15 fun facts about this grueling event that has athletes competing for two days straight.