Olympic Games Sydney 2000 (3)

Erki Nool’s victory in the 2000 Sydney Olympic decathlon was contested due to a dramatic controversy in the discus throw, one of the most pivotal moments in modern Olympic decathlon history.

The Controversy: Discus Throw

• In the discus throw, Nool’s first two attempts were ruled fouls by officials.

• On his third and final attempt, he threw 43.66 meters, but that throw was also ruled a foul, meaning he would score zero points in the event.

The Appeal

• The Estonian team immediately protested the ruling, claiming the third attempt was valid.

• After reviewing video footage, officials overturned the foul and reinstated the throw.

• That 43.66-meter throw earned him 739 points, keeping him in the medal race.

What Was at Stake

• A zero in the discus would have dropped Nool out of the running for a medal entirely.

• With the points reinstated, he stayed in the top group and went on to win gold.

• Several competitors and commentators questioned whether the reversal was fair or politically influenced — but no formal protest from other teams succeeded.

Outcome

• Erki Nool won the gold medal with 8641 points — just 35 points ahead of Roman Šebrle.

• The ruling directly impacted the final podium, making it one of the most debated Olympic decathlon victories in recent history.

Legacy of the Incident

• Some still view the decision as controversial, but the IAAF (now World Athletics) and Olympic officials upheld it.

• Nool himself has defended the legitimacy of the throw, and it was never officially revoked.

• The incident added drama to an already intense competition and showed how fragile a decathlete’s chances can be — one foul can change everything.