Between 1980 and 1981, Bulgarian female athletes like Daniela Nenova, Emilia Kunova, and Valentina Dimitrova made rapid progress in pentathlon and heptathlon, setting national records and achieving personal bests in multiple competitions,
Mike Maczey represented Germany at its highest level - national champion twice, Olympic competitor, and placed in the top eight at European Championships. At Götzis 2000 he posted his lifetime best - 8461 points.
Simon Poelman's legacy to New Zealand athletics is that of the greatest all round athlete in it's history. His outstanding and, probably, under developed ability at a wide range of events brought him successes at many major events. He is also
Laurent Hernu won Talence Decastar in 2003. He is also triple European Cup Combined Events Super League winner. Not just an athlete but also a trusted and influential coach, recognized nationally for his athlete care and technical expertise.
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