Athletics at the 2016 Summer Olympics – Men's decathlon
The men's decathlon competition at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The event was held at the Olympic Stadium between 17 and 18 August.
From L-R: Kurt Felix, Kai Kazmirek, Thomas Van der Plaetsen, Luiz Alberto de Araújo, Damian Warner, Ashton Eaton and Adam Helcelet in the second heat of the 1500 metres, the final event of the decathlon
The decathlon is a combined event in athletics consisting of 10 track and field events. The word "decathlon" was formed, in analogy to the word "pentathlon", from Greek δέκα and ἄθλος. Events are held over two consecutive days and the winners are determined by the combined performance in all. Performance is judged on a points system in each event, not by the position achieved. The decathlon is contested mainly by male athletes, while female athletes typically compete in the heptathlon.
Image: Michael Smith Decathlon 400meters
Image: Men decathlon PV French Athletics Championships 2013 t 142927
Image: Rico Freimuth 2012 Hypo meeting
Image: Michael Smith Decathlon 400meters