Definition: A decathlon is an athletic event comprising ten different track and field disciplines. Competitors accumulate points based on their performance in each event, and the athlete with the highest total score is declared the winner.
Etymology & Origin: The word ‘decathlon’ comes from the Greek words ‘deca,’ meaning ‘ten,’ and ‘athlon,’ meaning ‘contest’ or ‘prize.’ The term was coined in the early 20th century to describe this ten-event athletic competition, which made its Olympic debut in 1912.
Examples:
- The decathlon includes events such as the 100 meters, long jump, shot put, high jump, and 400 meters on the first day, followed by the 110 meters hurdles, discus throw, pole vault, javelin throw, and 1500 meters on the second day.
- Jim Thorpe is famous for winning the first Olympic decathlon in 1912.
- Training for a decathlon requires a unique blend of speed, strength, endurance, and technique to excel across all ten events.
