How many events are contested in the Olympic men's decathlon?

The Olympic men’s decathlon consists of ten events.

The competition combines 100 metres, long jump, shot put, high jump and 400 metres on the first day. The second day contains 110-metre hurdles, discus throw, pole vault, javelin throw and 1,500 metres. Athletes receive points according to tables based on their performances, and the highest total wins.

The decathlon is designed to test speed, strength, jumping ability, throwing technique and endurance. It is not decided by simply adding distances or times, because each discipline uses a scoring formula. A strong all-around athlete can therefore defeat a specialist who wins only one event.

The women’s Olympic equivalent is the heptathlon, which has seven events. The decathlon’s ten-event structure is why its champion is traditionally called the “world’s greatest athlete,” though that phrase is descriptive rather than an official title.