Decathlon

track and field · competition · ten events · ultimate athlete

Ten incredible events. The decathlon has 10 different track and field competitions that test speed, strength, and technique. Athletes compete in sprints, jumps, throws, and a long-distance run to show they're great at everything.

Points, not just places. Instead of just counting who finishes first or second, judges give points for how well you do in each event. Someone might win one race but come third in another and still win the whole decathlon because of their total points.

Two-day marathon. Decathlon athletes compete over two full days, racing different events each day without much time to rest. It's like running a tiny Olympics by yourself, which is why decathlon winners are called 'the world's greatest athletes.'

One-person sport. Each athlete competes individually and must be fantastic at ten completely different skills, from running fast to jumping high to throwing far. There's no team to help you, so it takes incredible training and natural talent.

Different for women. Men compete in the decathlon with 10 events, but women typically compete in the heptathlon, which has 7 events instead. Both are designed to test all-around athletic ability.