The decathlon is a combination of 10 events. It has always been one of my favourite events - I like to see the "all-round" athletes compete. I would be the last person to say they are the best of all the competitors, but they certainly have to have exceptional sports ability. The events include the 100-meters, long jump, shot put, high jump, the 400-meters, the 110-meter hurdles, discus, pole vault, javelin throw and the 1500-meters.
I feel like this is what the Greeks were originally after - to prove who was the overall champion of the world in sports activities. I do enjoy the individual events and the relays but the Decathlon seems to shine out for me.
The rules for each event are almost the same as the individual events. I understand a few changes are -
- the runners are allowed two false starts instead of one.
- The competitors have to enter every event.
- They have only 3 three attempts in throwing and jumping events.
I do think Daley Thompson made the decathlon what it is. For me he is the best there has been. Between 1978 and 1986 he set four world records and won gold medals at two Olympic Games.
I really hope GB will continue down this road at the 2012 Olympics and we can really celebrate a gold medal in London.
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