Classification of Combined Events

1. Decathlon:

Decathlon is derived from two Greek words Deca – meaning ten and Athlon –  meaning competition. The decathlon is mainly performed by men, featuring ten events that are concluded in two days. A decathlon competitor is called decathlete.

The events are as follows:

Day 1:

• 100 m Sprint
• Long jump
• Shot put
• High jump
• 400 m race

Day 2:

• 110 m hurdles
• Discus
• Pole vault
• Javelin throw
• 1500 m race

Decathlon has four tracks, three throws and three jumps in its order of events.

2. Pentathlon:

Pentathlon is from two Greek words Penta – meaning five and Athlon – meaning competition.

It is a competition for women alone, featuring only five events, which are contested in one day.

A pentathlon competitor is called a pentathlete.

The events are:

• Long jump
• Javelin
• 200 m race
• Discus throw
• 1500 m race

3. Heptathlon:

Heptathlon is a competition consisting of seven events concluded in two consecutive days. A competitor in the heptathlon is called a heptathlete.

There are Two Types Of Heptathlon:

a.  Men’s heptathlon

b. Women’s heptathlon

a.  Men’s Heptathlon:

Men’s heptathlon is held indoors, and contested by men over two days. The first four events are contested on the first day and the last three events on the second day.

The events are:

Day 1:

• 60 m race
• Long jump
• Shot put
• High jump

Day 2:

• 60 m hurdles
• Pole vault
• 1000 m race

b. Women’s Heptathlon

Women’s heptathlon was introduced in the 1980s. It had its first debut in the Olympics in 1984.

It is held outdoors, consisting of seven events concluded in two days with the first four events on the first day and the last three events contested on the second day.

The order of events is as follows:

Day 1:

• 100 m hurdles
• High jump
• Shot put
• 200 m race

Day 2:

• Long jump
• Javelin
• 800 m race