Jack of all trades but master of none? It is a fair reflection of decathletes and heptathletes that the very best are often world-class in half of the individual disciplines. Demanding incredible amounts of stamina, this event is certainly a tough one.

Hurdles 3

Athletics running

Decathlon

shot put

In most cases a men-only event, the decathlon is made up of 10 track and field events spread over 2 days. These include the 100m, 400m and 1,500m runs, the 110m hurdles, the long jump, high jump, shot put, discus, pole vault and javelin.

It goes without saying that a successful decathlete must have huge stamina reserves to draw on and excellent all-round athletics skills. Competitors collect points for their performance in each event. Consistency is the key to success as victory in the decathlon is not dependent on winning any individual events. For female athletes the equivalent event is the heptathlon.

Heptathlon

Designed for women only, the two-day heptathlon consists of 7 events, which are a 200m sprint, an 800m run, the 100m hurdles, the high jump, long jump, shot put and the javelin.

Statistics

  • The current men's world record-holder is Austra Skujyte (LTU) who scored 8,366 points in 2005.

  • The current women's world record-holder is Jackie Joyner-Kersee (USA), who scored 7,291 points in 1988.

athletics key facts

Key facts

  • The first women's world decathlon record to be recognised in January 2005 by the IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federations) was that of Marie Collonville, who scored 8,160 points in Talence, France in September 2004.
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Rules

  • Competitors must take part in every event to avoid disqualification.

  • Competitors are only allowed 3 attempts in the throwing and jumping events.

  • Unlike in the individual events, decathletes and heptathletes are allowed 1 false start in the running disciplines before disqualification.