Since 1922, 38 decathlon world records have been set - 8 at the Olympics, with the last in 1984—but score comparisons over time are difficult due to multiple changes in the points tables.
The piece explores a hypothetical decathlon record based on an athlete’s best performances over an entire season - rather than in the traditional two-day format.
European Championships’ full history showcases all-time records, winners, and the medal table, celebrating the continent’s greatest performances and leading nations over the years.
World Championships’ complete history reveals all-time records, winners, and the medal table, highlighting the most outstanding achievements and top nations throughout the event’s legacy.
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