Integration with the Olympics. Performances from the Sydney Games counted toward the Challenge. This linked the sport’s most prestigious event directly with the series, boosting its legitimacy and visibility.
After its debut year, the 1999 Challenge showed that the concept of a season-long ranking system for combined events was sustainable, gaining credibility among athletes and organizers.
The Decathlon's nice in that you get to know the other athletes. It's almost like everyone helps each other out. We're all out there trying to win, but at the same time there's a friendship there too. It's always fun going to meets and catching up with the other guys - Tom Pappas