Why Don’t Women Compete in the Decathlon?
Summary
Men compete in the decathlon (10 events), while women compete in the heptathlon (7 events) at the Olympics and World Championships. This split isn’t based on ability — it’s a product of history, tradition, and slow rule changes. While women’s decathlon exists at lower levels, the heptathlon remains the standard in global competition.
Heads up: some of the links below are affiliate links. Translation? If you buy through them, we get a small kickback to keep the lights on and the blocks set. Doesn’t cost you a cent more, just fuels more calculators, guides, and gear breakdowns for you. So, if you're down to support us and score some cool stuff, click away. Thanks for being awesome! Full disclosure here.
The Historical Background
Early 1900s: Women were excluded from multi-events.
1964: Women first contested the pentathlon (5 events) at the Olympics.
1981: The women’s heptathlon (7 events) replaced the pentathlon.
Today: The men’s decathlon and women’s heptathlon remain separate — even though women are fully capable of competing in all 10 events.
Why the Heptathlon Instead of the Decathlon?
Historical Bias
At the time, governing bodies believed women couldn’t handle the physical strain of 10 events.
This belief has since been proven false.
Tradition & Consistency
The heptathlon has been the Olympic standard since 1984.
Governing bodies are reluctant to change an event that’s part of the Games’ identity.
Logistical Simplicity
Adding three more events (discus, pole vault, 1500m) means longer schedules and more complexity for meet organizers.
Do Women Compete in the Decathlon Anywhere?
Yes — but not at the Olympics.
Women’s decathlons are contested at some national and invitational meets.
World Athletics recognizes women’s decathlon world records, though it’s not a championship event so it’s rarely competed. There have been rumblings about adding it for many years now, but nothing has come to pass.
Canadian athlete Marie Collonvillé set the first women’s decathlon world record in 2004.
| Multi-Event | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Olympics | Decathlon | Heptathlon |
| World Championships | Decathlon | Heptathlon |
| National / Invitational Meets | Decathlon | Heptathlon or Decathlon (rare) |
Arguments for a Women’s Decathlon
Equality: Men and women should contest the same event.
Athletic Challenge: Many female athletes already train across all 10 disciplines.
Consistency for Fans: Same event structure would simplify broadcasts and storytelling.
Why It Hasn’t Happened (Yet)
Tradition & TV: Broadcasters prefer shorter competitions.
Scheduling: Adding women’s decathlon would extend major meets.
Politics: Governing bodies prioritize continuity over reform.
FAQs
Q1: Could women handle a decathlon?
Yes — female athletes are fully capable of competing in all 10 events. The barrier is administrative, not physical.
Q2: Has there ever been a women’s decathlon world record?
Yes. The current record belongs to Austra Skujytė of Lithuania (8,358 points, 2005).
Q3: Will the Olympics ever add a women’s decathlon?
Possibly. Advocates continue to push, but change in Olympic events is slow.
Q4: Why not just keep the heptathlon?
Some argue tradition should remain, but many athletes prefer equal footing with men.
Key Takeaways (TL;DR)
Women compete in the heptathlon at major meets, not the decathlon.
The split exists because of history and tradition, not ability.
Women’s decathlon exists in smaller meets, with recognized records.
Calls for equality may eventually bring a women’s decathlon to the Olympics.
👉 Related: Read What Events Are in the Decathlon vs Heptathlon or explore How Multi-Events Are Scored.
