Decathlon, << dih KATH lon, >> is a two-day contest in 10 events to determine an all-around track and field champion. Athletes compete in the 100-meter dash, long jump, shot-put, high jump, and 400-meter run, in that order, on the first day. They take part in the 110-meter hurdles, discus throw, pole vault, javelin throw, and 1,500-meter run on the second day. The athletes compete against time and distance standards, instead of against each other. The athlete scoring the most total points wins. The decathlon became a part of the Olympic Games in 1912.
