Athletes push themselves to the limit in grueling events that test their speed, strength, agility, and endurance.
In Paris, France, the title of “World’s Greatest Athlete” is awarded to those who conquer the heptathlon and decathlon, two ultimate tests of athleticism in track and field.
Participants accumulate points based on their performance in each discipline, with the ultimate winner being the athlete with the highest point total.
What is the heptathlon?
The heptathlon consists of seven events spread over two days:
- 100-meter hurdles
- High jump
- Shot put
- 200 meters
- Long jump
- Javelin
- 800 meters
What is the decathlon?
The decathlon consists of 10 events over two days:
- 100 meters
- Long jump
- Shot put
- High jump
- 400 meters
- 110-meter hurdles
- Discus throw
- Pole vault
- Javelin throw
- 1,500 meters
Why are there separate events for men and women?
At the Olympics, men compete in the decathlon while women take on the heptathlon.
Both events span two days and follow the same scoring system but cater to the unique strengths of each gender.
Before the heptathlon, women competed in the pentathlon, which was eventually replaced to create a more challenging event.
There have been calls for a women’s decathlon to be added to the Olympics, but logistical challenges remain.