Event points are key to winning decathlon
Winning or losing a decathlon event is irrelevant. Athletes earn points based on an international scoring table that evaluates and awards points for each performance. The winner is the athlete with the most points after 10 events run over two days.
The Olympics uses the International Association of Athletics Federations scoring table, same as the NCAA. The table is lengthy.
For example, 100-meter times on the table range from 9.50 to 17.83. Each 100th of a second has a corresponding point total, ranging from 1,223 for the fastest time and just one for the slowest. Each 100th of a second is worth from one to three points, with 733 times and their corresponding point totals listed.
There is some subjectivity within the scoring tables.
Generally, world-class decathletes score at least 8,000 points (averaging 800 points per event). Few major international events are won with a score of less than 8,000 points.
| Individual Event |
Bryan Clay Personal Best (Year) |
Decathlon Points |
| 100 meters: |
10.39 (2004) |
1,001 |
| Long jump: |
26-5/8.06m (2004 ) |
1,076 |
| Shot put: |
50-1fl/15.28m (2004) |
807 |
| High jump: |
6-9›/2.08m (2004) |
878 |
| 400 meters: |
47.85 (2003) |
916 |
| 110-meter hurdles: |
13.80 (2004) |
1,000 |
| Discus throw: |
170-11/52.10m (2004) |
915 |
| Pole vault: |
16-8fl/5.10m (2004) |
941 |
| Javelin throw: |
224-3/68.36m (2004) |
865 |
| 1500 meters: |
4:38.93 (2003) |
687 |
| Points (Year): |
8,660 (2004 Olympic Trials) |
9,086 |
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| Advertiser library photos |
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| Bryan Clay tied for first in the 110 hurdles, top, won the discus, left, and was seventh in the high jump at the Olympic Trials in Sacramento.*Clay, clockwise from top left, placed first in the long jump and javelin, tied for second in the pole vault and was third in the shot put at the Olympic Trials. |
