This poem is a vivid, almost breathless journey through the ten events of the decathlon, describing each discipline in energetic, sensory detail - from explosive sprints and powerful throws to gravity-defying jumps and grueling runs.
Let me start out by saying that Götzis is the best track meet in the world and that the people of Götzis and the organizing committee are to be congratulated. Everything you hear about Götzis is true!
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.
The decathlon is one of the most grueling competitions in all of sport. It consists of 10 events, negotiated over 2 days. Points are awarded based on the order of finish as well as the distance, height or time achieved in each event. Final
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