Failing in just one event can end a decathlete's entire competition, with no points scored and no chance of recovery - no matter how well they've performed elsewhere.
Dan O'Brien had famously missed the 1992 Olympics due to a failed pole vault in the U.S. trials, but redeemed himself in Atlanta by taking the gold. His Olympic victory was seen as the final crowning achievement in a legendary career.
A complete history of Talence Decastar showcases all-time decathlon records and champions, celebrating the event’s greatest performances and winners through the years.
I wish that in the nearest future everybody will know about decathlon and the meaning of the event of decathlon... decathletes are like our greek gods - Petros Kyprianou