What Events Are in the Decathlon vs Heptathlon?
Summary
Track & field’s multi-events crown the sport’s most complete athletes. Often toted as the “Best athlete in the world.” The decathlon (men) and heptathlon (women) combine sprints, jumps, throws, and distance races into two-day competitions. Each event scores points, and the athlete with the highest total wins.
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The Decathlon (10 Events)
Traditionally a men’s event, the decathlon takes place over two days:
Day 1
100m
Long Jump
Shot Put
High Jump
400m
Day 2
6. 110m Hurdles
7. Discus Throw
8. Pole Vault
9. Javelin Throw
10. 1500m
The Heptathlon (7 Events)
Traditionally a women’s event, the heptathlon also spans two days:
Day 1
100m Hurdles
High Jump
Shot Put
200m
Day 2
5. Long Jump
6. Javelin Throw
7. 800m
| Multi-Event | Day 1 | Day 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Decathlon (Men) | 100m, Long Jump, Shot Put, High Jump, 400m | 110m Hurdles, Discus, Pole Vault, Javelin, 1500m |
| Heptathlon (Women) | 100m Hurdles, High Jump, Shot Put, 200m | Long Jump, Javelin, 800m |
Key Differences Between Decathlon & Heptathlon
Number of events: Decathlon = 10, Heptathlon = 7
Event types: Decathlon has more throws (discus, javelin, shot) and includes the pole vault.
Distance races: Decathlon finishes with a 1500m, heptathlon with an 800m.
Scoring tables: Each has unique scoring formulas to balance sprints, jumps, throws, and endurance.
Why Two Different Events?
Historically, men competed in the decathlon, women in the heptathlon.
There’s ongoing debate about introducing a women’s decathlon to align opportunities.
Multi-events are meant to crown the best all-around athlete, testing speed, strength, endurance, and skill.
FAQs
Q1: Which is harder, the decathlon or heptathlon?
The decathlon has more events and a longer distances run, but both require incredible versatility.
Q2: How are winners decided?
Athletes earn points in each event using scoring tables. Highest cumulative score wins.
Q3: Why do men do 10 and women 7?
Tradition — though women’s decathlon is occasionally contested, the heptathlon remains the Olympic standard.
Q4: Can athletes specialize in one event?
No. Success requires balance across sprints, throws, jumps, and endurance.
Key Takeaways (TL;DR)
Decathlon = 10 events (men), Heptathlon = 7 events (women).
Decathlon includes pole vault, discus, and 1500m.
Heptathlon is shorter but still covers all disciplines.
Both crown the all-around champion of track & field.
👉 Related: Learn How Multi-Events Are Scored or explore Why Don’t Women Compete in the Decathlon?
