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The decathlon appreciation thread

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  • 26-02-2012 2:11pm
    #1
    Pisco Sour
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,029 ✭✭✭


    Not that I didn't have huge respect for the decathlon beforehand, but I used to never really bother following the event during World Champs and Olympic Games. But after competing in one in Melbourne this weekend I can say I am a convert. It is an incredible event, one of such astonishing muscle aching pain.

    The guys at the top are astonishing athletes. They are not world class in any individual events (and couldn't be further from such status in the 1500m) but overall they are seriously world class athletes. To perform to such a high level over the first 9 events, spread over just 2 consecutive gruelling days has me in awe. Roman Sebrle's world record of 9026 points is staggering. Imagine running a 10.64 100m, and following it up very quickly with an 8.11m long jump (good enough to make many a major final). Then picking up a giant ball of lead weighing 7.26kg and hurling the thing over 15m, and clearing 2.12m for the high jump and running a 47.79 400m. Then come back the next day and go sub 14 seconds for the 110m Hurdles, throw close to 50m in the discuss, a repsectable 4.80m in the pole vault, over 70m in the javelin, and then put in a very commendable 4:21 for 1500m at the very end of it, despite not training for such an event (as to do so would take away from the other 9). One needs to be an incredible athlete to excel at this event.

    Not sure what people's take on the decathlon is but I can announce that I am very much a fan.


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    #2
    walshb
    Registered Users Posts: 54,943 ✭✭✭✭walshb


    As far as I am concrened, the worlds greatest track and field athlete has always been the best decathletes. The event is often overlooked, but what these guys do, and the performances across all events is staggering. Overall their bodies are the most gifted in all of track and field, in all of sport really.

    Compare Thompson and Lewis. Lewis is phenomenal at running and jumping. Daley was very good at ten events. Daley to me was most certianly the better physical athlete.

    BTW, you mentioned that they are not world class in any event, yet list an 8.14 long jump and say it's worthy of a major final.

    The 2.12 high jump, would that beat any woman ever?


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    #3
    mloc123
    Registered Users Posts: 9,454 ✭✭✭mloc123


    Yeah it's a decent shop. Good for cheap running gear.. Bike gear not as good.






    ;)


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    #4
    myflipflops
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,817 ✭✭✭myflipflops


    "9 mickey mouse events and a slow 1500"

    Steve Ovett putting the boot into Daley Thompson


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    #5
    TheRoadRunner
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,983 ✭✭✭TheRoadRunner


    myflipflops wrote: »
    "9 mickey mouse events and a slow 1500"

    Steve Ovett putting the boot into Daley Thompson

    I think Daley Thompson threatened to flatten him after that comment.

    Yeah the decathlon is a great event. Love following it during major champs. I always thought they should have decathlon world records for the individual events. For example if the fastest 100 metres ever ran in a decathlon was 10.2 then this would be the "decathlon 100 metre" world record. Would help give some guide to viewers, rather than compare a performance against guys who may specialise in one event only.


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    #6
    walshb
    Registered Users Posts: 54,943 ✭✭✭✭walshb


    myflipflops wrote: »
    "9 mickey mouse events and a slow 1500"

    Steve Ovett putting the boot into Daley Thompson

    He couldn't have meant that, or is he really that ignorant?


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    #7
    myflipflops
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,817 ✭✭✭myflipflops


    walshb wrote: »
    He couldn't have meant that, or is he really that ignorant?

    I think he had tongue firmly in cheek. Ovett liked to wind people up. I think it is great quote despite being ridiculous.


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    #8
    Dan man
    Registered Users Posts: 3,076 Mod ✭✭✭✭Dan man


    Absolutely love watching the multi-events at the big competitions, always throws up a bit of drama as the event unfolds. The men's decathlon in London should be epic with Ashton Eaton and Trey Hardee going head to head with Bryan Clay possibly making a return to form. Really looking forward to this event.
    The heptathlon will be great also, but that's a discussion for another non-male-biassed thread! :pac:


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    #9
    Chivito550
    Registered Users Posts: 7,695 ✭✭✭Chivito550


    Dragging up an old thread here, but for anybody interested in the level of dedication required for an elite decathlete to reach the top level, here's a write up I have done on Australia's Stephen Cain's long and arduous journey to Glasgow 2014:

    http://www.therunningreview.com/2014/08/10/good-things-come-to-those-who-wait/


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    #10
    Chivito550
    Registered Users Posts: 7,695 ✭✭✭Chivito550


    For those who would rather listen than read, here's the full audio interview with Stephen Cain, following his 5th place finish in Glasgow:

    http://www.therunningreview.com/2014/08/11/audio-interview-stephen-cain/


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