So you're wondering what events are in the decathlon? I get that question all the time when I tell people I used to coach collegiate multi-event athletes. The decathlon is this beautiful monster of a competition that tests every fiber of human athletic ability across ten disciplines. It's not just about being good at one thing – you've gotta be decent at everything, from sprinting to throwing to jumping.
Let me walk you through exactly what makes up this ultimate test. We'll break down each event, why they're ordered the way they are, and what makes this competition so brutally special. I'll even share some behind-the-scenes stuff from my coaching days that might surprise you.
The Complete Lineup: All 10 Decathlon Events
The decathlon spans two intense days, strategically grouping events that test similar energy systems. Day one leans toward explosive power, while day two requires more technical finesse. This sequence isn't random – it's designed to progressively fatigue athletes while maintaining safety. You'd never put pole vault right after 1500m, for instance.
Day One Events: Power and Speed Focus
100 Meters
Kicks off the whole shebang. Over in under 11 seconds for elites. This pure speed event sets the tone – a bad start here can wreck your confidence. What many don't realize is that decathletes actually use modified starting blocks compared to specialist sprinters. I've seen athletes lose valuable tenths because they didn't practice block starts enough.
World Decathlon Record: Damian Warner (CAN) - 10.12 seconds (Tokyo 2021)
Long Jump
Immediately follows the 100m. The runway approach feels entirely different when your legs are still buzzing from the sprint. Decathletes develop a distinctive "runway rhythm" – usually 14-18 strides. The hardest part? Remembering to jump off the correct foot when exhausted. Sounds silly, but under pressure, I've seen talented jumpers mess this up.
World Decathlon Record: Simon Ehammer (SUI) - 8.45m (Götzis 2022)
Shot Put
First throwing event using the 7.26kg metal ball. Technique makes all the difference here. The glide vs. spin technique debate is ongoing – most decathletes stick with glide for consistency. The worst thing is when someone steps out of the circle and gets a foul after a monster throw. Happens more than you'd think.
World Decathlon Record: Edy Hubacher (SUI) - 19.17m (Bern 1969)
High Jump
This is where things get tactical. Athletes can pass heights to conserve energy – risky but sometimes necessary. Fosbury Flop is universal now. The mental battle here is brutal – failing three times at a height you easily cleared last week? Soul-crushing. I've had athletes need pep talks after bad high jump sessions.
World Decathlon Record: Derek Drouin (CAN) - 2.30m (Götzis 2014)
400 Meters
Day one's brutal finale. Not a sprint, not a distance run – just pure pain. Lane strategy is critical since decathletes aren't specialists. Many hit the wall around 300m. The post-race vomit ritual? More common than you'd guess. Honestly, this might be the event I'm most relieved to have never done competitively.
World Decathlon Record: Ashton Eaton (USA) - 45.00 seconds (Eugene 2015)
Day Two Events: Technical Mastery and Endurance
110 Meter Hurdles
Day two's wake-up call. Ten 1.067m barriers demand precise rhythm. Trail leg technique separates contenders from pretenders. Wind conditions massively impact this – a headwind can destroy confidence. Hurdles terrify newcomers – I've seen promising athletes quit after their first hurdle crash.
World Decathlon Record: Damian Warner (CAN) - 13.36 seconds (Tokyo 2021)
Discus Throw
Uses a 2kg discus. The spinning technique here is notoriously hard to master – takes years to feel natural. Wind is a huge factor, which explains why results vary wildly across competitions. Ever seen a discus hit the cage? The sound alone will make you flinch. Safety first, folks.
World Decathlon Record: Bryan Clay (USA) - 55.87m (Eugene 2008)
Pole Vault
The decathlon's wildcard event. Equipment logistics alone are crazy – traveling with poles? Nightmare. Decathletes typically use shorter poles than specialists. Plant box mishaps cause most injuries. I hold my breath every time an athlete plants. You never forget your first snapped pole.
World Decathlon Record: Tim Lobinger (GER) - 5.76m (Ratingen 1999)
Javelin Throw
800g spear requiring explosive coordination. Runway approach differs significantly from specialists – decathletes use shorter strides for control. The worst is when you get a perfect throw called back because your foot touched the line. Heartbreaking every time. Also, retrieving javelins in rain? Slippery misery.
World Decathlon Record: Peter Blank (GER) - 79.80m (Bernhausen 1995)
1500 Meters
The cruel finale. After two days of destruction, you run nearly four laps. Pacing strategy is everything – go out too fast and you'll crawl the last lap. The crowd always cheers loudest here. Pure suffering. I've seen athletes collapse for minutes after crossing the line. No glory without sacrifice.
World Decathlon Record: Robert Baker (USA) - 3:58.7 (Eugene 1980)
| Event | Day | Equipment Specs | Key Physical Demand | Mental Challenge Factor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100m | 1 | Standard starting blocks | Explosive acceleration | ★★★★☆ (High pressure starter) |
| Long Jump | 1 | 20m runway + sand pit | Horizontal power transfer | ★★★☆☆ (Precision under fatigue) |
| Shot Put | 1 | 7.26kg shot | Upper body strength | ★★☆☆☆ (Technical repetition) |
| High Jump | 1 | 4m landing mat | Vertical spring | ★★★★☆ (Height selection strategy) |
| 400m | 1 | Standard track | Speed endurance | ★★★★★ (Pain tolerance) |
| 110m Hurdles | 2 | 10 x 1.067m hurdles | Rhythmic precision | ★★★★☆ (Crash risk anxiety) |
| Discus | 2 | 2kg discus | Rotational power | ★★★☆☆ (Environmental adaptation) |
| Pole Vault | 2 | Fiberglass poles | Kinetic energy transfer | ★★★★★ (Equipment/technical complexity) |
| Javelin | 2 | 800g javelin | Coordination sequencing | ★★★☆☆ (Foul line discipline) |
| 1500m | 2 | Standard track | Aerobic capacity | ★★★★★ (Late-competition willpower) |
How Decathlon Scoring Actually Works
Ever wonder how they compare a 10-second 100m to a 5-meter pole vault? The IAAF scoring tables convert all performances into points using complex formulas. Higher scores for better performances, but the relationship isn't linear – improvements in weaker events yield bigger point jumps.
The current tables (updated in 1984) use this formula for track events: Points = a × (b - T)^c. For field events: Points = a × (M - b)^c. T is time, M is measurement, and a/b/c are event-specific constants. Yeah, it's mathy.
Here's the practical reality: a 0.1s improvement in hurdles nets more points than a 10cm shot put increase. Smart decathletes identify their "point-rich" events. During my coaching years, we constantly analyzed scoring tables – sometimes focusing on bizarrely specific improvements.
| Performance Level | 100m Example | Points Earned | Equivalent Improvement in Long Jump |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Collegiate | 11.5 seconds | 700 points | 6.90m jump |
| National Level | 10.9 seconds | 850 points | 7.60m jump |
| World Class | 10.3 seconds | 1,030 points | 8.40m jump |
True story: I coached an athlete who gained 200 points by shaving 0.3s off his 110m hurdles while barely improving his strong shot put. That's why event-specific training matters more than raw power.
Training Realities Most People Don't See
Training for all ten events isn't about equal time distribution. Elite decathletes spend 40% of training on running events, 30% on jumps, 20% on throws, and 10% on recovery. Yes, recovery gets scheduled like an event.
Weekly training includes: sprint work (3 sessions), weights (4 sessions), technical events (6-8 rotations), plyometrics (2 sessions). Oh, and 2-3 hours daily of physio/mobility work. It's relentless.
The psychological grind is worse than physical. You'll have days where your shot put feels amazing but your hurdle technique vanishes. I've seen athletes cry in frustration after "losing" an event they owned last week. The emotional rollercoaster is real.
Equipment Costs Breakdown
Decathlon isn't cheap. Basic gear costs: - Pole vault poles ($400-$800 each, need multiple stiffnesses) - Competition spikes ($120-$200 per specialty pair) - Throwing implements ($250-$600 for quality shots/discuses) - Travel cases for poles ($300+) Total startup: $3,000 minimum. And that's before coaching fees, physio, nutrition... This sport desperately needs more funding.
Common Questions About What Events Are in the Decathlon
Why these specific ten events?
They date back to ancient Greek pentathlons, evolving through 1912 Stockholm Olympics. The current lineup balances running/jumping/throwing while testing diverse energy systems. Honestly, I think the pole vault/javelin combo is borderline sadistic, but tradition sticks.
How do decathletes avoid injury with such varied training?
They don't avoid it – they manage it. Stress fractures are occupational hazards. Smart training cycles focus on complementary events (e.g., shot put and discus same day). Still, most elite decathletes compete with at least 2-3 nagging injuries. Ice baths become religion.
What's the hardest transition between events?
Discus to pole vault is brutal. You go from explosive rotational throwing to delicate technical jumping. Cold muscles, different motor patterns. Many athletes bomb vault after good discus. The schedule doesn't help – sometimes just 45 minutes between them.
Can female athletes compete in decathlon?
Absolutely! The women's equivalent is heptathlon (7 events). Some argue women should have decathlon too – the debate continues. I've coached female decathletes in mixed events. Their technical consistency often surpasses male counterparts.
Essential Techniques for Each Decathlon Event
Mastering all ten events requires distinct technical approaches. Here's what nobody tells beginners:
Sprinting Secrets
Decathletes use slightly wider arm carriage than specialists for stability during transitions. Knee lift is often sacrificed for sustainability across multiple events. Drive phase is shorter – conservation matters.
Throwing Hacks
Glide technique dominates shot put because it's more repeatable when fatigued. For discus, most use 1.5 rotations instead of full spins. Javelin run-ups are deliberately shorter – control over maximum power.
Jumping Nuances
Long jump approaches are often 4-6 steps shorter than specialists. High jumpers rarely attempt personal bests – consistency rules. Pole vaulters use lower grips and softer poles than specialists.
The universal truth? Decathlon technique prioritizes repeatability over maximal output. I'd take an athlete who hits 90% consistently over one hitting 100% unpredictably.
| Event | Biggest Technical Mistake | Quick Fix | Drills That Actually Work |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100m | Over-striding early | Focus on ground contact time | Falling starts + wicket runs |
| Long Jump | Final step deceleration | Mark penultimate step spot | Short approach jumps with max effort |
| Shot Put | Hip/shoulder separation loss | Think "chest leads hips" | Wall drills with resistance band |
| High Jump | Premature arching | Yell "hip to pad!" mid-air | 3-step jumps over bungee cord |
| 400m | First 200m suicide pace | Divide race into 3 segments | Broken 400s (200m rest 30s 200m) |
| 110H | Leaning into hurdles | Keep shoulders over hips | Walkover drills with pause |
| Discus | Early arm pull | Delay release until heel down | Stand throws with towel snap |
| Pole Vault | Premature arm bend | "Push forward, not down" | Slide box drills + grip walks |
| Javelin | Over-rotated shoulders | Keep left shoulder closed | Standing throws with focus on elbow |
| 1500m | Ignoring lap splits | Know target splits cold | Negative split 800s |
Nutrition and Recovery: The Unseen Battleground
Eating during competition is an art. Day one requires fast carbs between events – bananas, gels, sports drinks. Day two shifts toward protein-fat focus for sustained energy. The real challenge? Eating enough without gastrointestinal distress. I've seen burritos destroy promising performances.
Post-day one recovery protocol: 1. 30g whey protein immediately 2. Ice bath within 45 minutes 3. Compression tights for sleep 4. Magnesium supplementation Miss any step and day two suffers.
Mental Preparation Tactics
Decathletes visualize events in reverse order – starting with 1500m success. Many use "event amnesia" – deliberately forgetting poor performances immediately. My athletes write three positive words per event on their wrist tape. Sounds corny, but seeing "FLOW - STRONG - FREE" before javelin helps.
If you're researching what events are in the decathlon because you're considering trying it, I say absolutely go for it. But know this: it will break you before it makes you. The first time you complete all ten events, you'll feel simultaneously accomplished and destroyed. There's nothing like it in sports - a true measure of human versatility. Just promise me one thing: respect the 1500m. It always hurts more than you expect.
What happens if you fail an event completely?
Zero points for that event, but you can continue. However, no points means no official total score. I've seen athletes withdraw after bombing pole vault to avoid humiliation. Brutal but understandable.
How should spectators watch a decathlon?
Focus on transitions - how athletes shift mindsets between events. Notice who eats strategically versus who stresses. The most revealing moments happen away from the spotlight. Chat with officials - they'll share hilarious behind-the-scenes stories.
Comment