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The decathlon is a ten-event sports competition that combines track and field events. In the same way that the word "pentathlon" was coined, the word "decathlon" was coined. The events take place over two days, and the winners are selected by their overall performance. In each event, performance is evaluated based on a points system rather than the rank earned. Male athletes normally compete in the decathlon, while female participants often compete in the heptathlon.
The ancient Greek Olympics had pentathlon sports, which evolved into the decathlon. Long jump, discus throw, javelin throw, sprint, and wrestling bout were all part of the pentathlon. This competition, which began in 708 BC in Olympia and lasted for centuries, was immensely popular.
The "all-around" or "all-round" championship, a ten-event competition akin to the contemporary decathlon, was first competed at the United States amateur championships in 1884 and had settled into a constant shape by 1890. Although an all-around event was conducted at the 1904 Summer Olympics, it is debatable whether it was an official Olympic event.
At the 1912 Stockholm Olympics, the modern decathlon was first introduced to the Olympic athletics program.
