Olympics 2012

CAN A RUNNER BE THE WORLD’S GREATEST ATHLETE?

In the 100-year history of the decathlon, Ashton Eaton is the finest runner ever to compete in the event. But can speed beat strength? We’ll find out this summer.

By Kenny Moore

Photographs by Gregg Segal

PUBLISHED 05/29/2012

One hundred years ago, humankind set out to discover its greatest all-around athlete. We did so by creating the Olympic decathlon. To measure strength, there would be three ancient Greek throws: the shot put, discus, and javelin. To measure spring and coordination, there would be the long jump, high jump, and pole vault. To measure speed and endurance, there would be the 100 and 400 meters, the 110-meter hurdles, and the pitiless 1500 meters. This discovery would take two days until one man proved supreme.