Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
The decathlon is a combined track and field event consisting of ten disciplines contested over two days. Athletes earn points based on their performance in each event, and the competitor with the most points is declared the winner. The ten events are 100 metres, long jump, shot put, high jump, 400 metres, 110 metres hurdles, discus, pole vault, javelin, and 1500 metres. Because of the varied skills required, the decathlon is regarded as a rigorous all-around test of athletic ability.
The event evolved from the pentathlon of the Ancient Olympics and re-emerged in the 19th century, with the first combined event held at the 1904 Olympics. The current decathlon format was first contested in 1911, and it made its Olympic debut in 1912, won by Jim Thorpe, who placed in the top four in every event.
Decathlon scoring records have progressed significantly over the years. The first IAAF-recognized record was set in 1922 by Aleksander Klumberg with a score of 6087 points on today's system. Notably, Yang Chuan-kwang from Taiwan set a world record in 1963 that was the first to surpass 9000 points but equates to 8010 points on current tables. The scoring system was revised in the 1960s, and since then, athletes such as Daley Thompson, Dan O'Brien, Roman Sebrle, Ashton Eaton, and Kevin Mayer have set successive world records, with Mayer holding the current record at 9126 points as of 2018.
Decathletes are recognized for their versatility and all-around athletic abilities, mastering a wide range of skills and techniques across the ten diverse events.