Hans van Alphen from the Netherlands won the decathlon in Götzis with 8519 points after a thrilling duel with Eelco Sintnicolaas, with a narrow margin of just 13 points
In the worst weather conditions with rain and wintry cold - almost like the first meeting in 1975 - the 39th Hypomeeting took place and ended with a Canadian victory - Damian Warner won with 8307 points
40 years of the Hypomeeting - at this anniversary meeting, Trey Hardee from the USA won the decathlon for the second time after a thrilling competition.
The discipline and training applied by decathletes have always been regarded by me as the ultimate in athletic dedication. Whilst it is of course always a huge honour for any decathlete to achieve the ultimate status of World Champion, I cannot help but regard all those who dedicate themselves to this most gruelling of athletic disciplines as Champions - unknown person