Is He the Greatest of All-Time? All Signs Point to Yes

By Scott Bush, DyeStat Editor

Early Wednesday, two-time Olympic gold medalist and decathlon world record holder Ashton Eaton and his wife Brianne Theisen-Eaton announced their retirements from competition. After contemplating their post-Olympic futures, the duo posted separate notes on their Web site giving their thanks and speaking as to why it's time to step aside.

Eaton, 28, can claim to be the best decathlete of all-time. Not only does the Oregon native own world records in the decathlon and indoor heptathlon, but he owns four of the top 10 best marks ever in the decathlon, won World Championship gold twice, in addition to becoming only the third decathlete in history to win two Olympic golds.

His undeniable dominance in his event, one which can lay claim to producing the "world's greatest athlete," gave Eaton the platform to become one of the faces of the sport. It was a role he clearly cherished when at competitions, interacting with fellow competitors and meeting fans. 

For Theisen-Eaton, her career was nearly as impressive. The former University of Oregon standout and Canadian star established herself as a gold medal contender in the heptathlon. The 30-year old captured Olympic bronze this past summer in Rio, won World Indoor gold in Portland, along with earning two World Championship silver medals. 

As Ashton Eaton steps aside, he opens the door for the next great decathlete to emerge. Will a young American take advantage of the opportunity or will an already established international competitor fill the void? Regardless, it's impossible to replace Eaton, one of the all-time greats in track and field history.