A Decathlon is generally referred to as an olympic track and field multisport event where an athlete performs 10 different disciplines. Often considered the event that showcases the most capable and well-rounded athletes, the standard decathlon event consist of a 100m dash, long jump, shot put, high jump, 400m hurdles, discuss throw, pole vault, javelin throw and finishing with a 1500m run. The title “World’s Greatest Athlete” has often been assigned to the athlete who wins the decathlon during the Olympic Games.
The decathlon originally developed from the ancient Greek pentathlon competitions, which involved a total of five disciplines (long jump, discus throw, javelin throw, sprint and a wrestling match). The high popularity of the pentathlon eventually led to the first “all-around” championship taking place in the United States in the late 1800’s. The first modern decathlon competition, as it is known today, as held at the 1912 Olympic Games in Stockholm.
