U.S. Olympic Track and Field: Decathlon's Triumphant Trio
They run, jump and throw.
While most Olympic track and field athletes run one or two events, decathletes do it all. By many accounts, decathletes are the ultimate athlete. They compete in ten events, spread out over two days.
Their events include the 100 meter sprint, long jump, shot put, high jump, 400 meter sprint, 110 meter hurdles, discus throw, pole vault, javelin throw and the 1,500 meters.
This year's centennial batch of decathletes at the 2012 U.S Track and Field Olympic trials in Eugene, Oregon, are poised to be the strongest group in decades. Trey Hardee, Bryan Clay and Ashton Eaton, the United State's dynamic threesome, are favored to medal at the Olympic trials. For the first time in 60 years, the U.S has the opportunity to sweep the podium.
Here's a look at how the trio men is doing after day one at the Olympic trials.
Ashton Eaton
1 of 3The heavy wind and rain didn't phase local Oregonian celebrity and former Duck, Ashton Eaton. He started day one of the U.S Track and Field Championships by breaking world records in the 100-meter sprint and the long jump.
A standing ovation from the crowd book-ended Eaton's day as he crossed the finish line in the 400-meter sprint with a time of 46.70 seconds. The decathletes have five-more events tomorrow, and Eaton is hoping to hold onto his 322 point lead over Trey Hardee.
When asked by NBC Sports about his performance, Eaton said, "Not too shabby for me."
Eaton is a five-time NCAA Champion for the University of Oregon, a two-time World medalist and the current world record holder for the heptathlon. But unlike his competitors, Eaton has limited world experience. He placed fifth at the 2008 U.S Olympic Trials and failed to qualify for Beijing. London would be his Olympic debut.
Events in order of completion: 100 meter, long jump, shot put, high jump, 400 meter
| Ashton Eaton Nike / Oregon TC Elite | 4728 | 10.21 w: +0.4 1044 (1044) | 8.23m 27-0 w: +0.8 1120 (2164) | 14.20m 46-7 ¼ 741 (2905) | 2.05m 6-8 ¾ 850 (3755) | 46.70 973 (4728) |
Trey Hardee
2 of 3One of only four athletes to win the world decathlete title, Trey Hardee is thought to be the athlete to beat in London 2012. He's a two-time World Champion, and a two-time national champion. In second place after the first five events, Hardee is likely to qualify for his second Olympic Games.
After a no-height in the pole vault forced a fourth-placed Hardee to withdraw from the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, London would be an opportunity to complete the ten events and stand on the podium.
Hardee's strength lies in the throwing events and in the pole vault, an event he began training in high school. He told Austin Fit Magazine the 1,500 meter run is the most difficult and taxing.
Events in order of completion: 100 meter, long jump, shot put, high jump, 400 meter
| Trey Hardee Nike | 4406 (-322) | 10.50 w: +0.4 975 (975) | 7.55m 24-9 ¼ w: +1.0 947 (1922) | 15.72m 51-7 834 (2756) | 1.99m 6-6 ¼ 794 (3550) | 49.11 856 (4406) |
Bryan Clay
3 of 3Bryan Clay was the favorite entering the 2012 Olympic trials. After winning the decathlon at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing by 240 points, the largest point margin since 1972, and a silver medal at the 2004 Olympics, Clay has the most international and decathlon experience of the group.
Clay is sitting in third place, 476 points behind first place. His goal is to become the first decathlete to win three Olympic medals.
It's been two years since Clay last completed a full decathlon as he has been sidelined by injury (via USA Today). So far, he has yet to make the Olympic qualifying score of 8,200. His personal best score of 8,832 points occurred in Beijing. Clay says he's fully recovered, but the time off could comprise his performance at the trials, especially given the sheer physical demand of the decathlon.
Events in order of completion: 100 meter, long jump, shot put, high jump, 400 meter
| Bryan Clay Asics | 4252 (-476) | 10.45 w: +0.4 987 (987) | 7.40m 24-3 ½ w: +1.0 910 (1897) | 15.63m 51-3 ½ 828 (2725) | 1.96m 6-5 767 (3492) | 51.21 760 |
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
