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The Spectacle Blog
There is a reason why the Olympic decathlon gold medalist traditionally has been called “the world’s greatest athlete.” Usain Bolt notwithstanding, Bolt does only one thing: sprint. Decathletes are far more well rounded, adding strength, stamina, and technique (in multiple events) to the raw speed that the braggart Bolt, to Bolt’s credit, has developed in abundance.
For whatever reason — probably because of the opaqueness of the scoring system — the decathlon no longer gets the attention it once did. That’s a shame. The decathlon champion should be THE star of the games, and a household name.
Hat’s off, then, to Ashton Eaton, the world’s greatest athlete. Hail to the champion.
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More Blog Posts by Quin Hillyer
http://spectator.org/blog/2012/08/10/aston-eaton-worlds-greatest-at
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Mike G| 8.10.12 @ 11:43AM
Agreed. Bolt may be the world's greatest sprinter, but the title of "World's Greatest Athlete" belongs to Eaton. Heck, even a guy who can hit a 94mph fastball is a better athlete than a sprinter.
Occam's Tool| 8.10.12 @ 1:19PM
Minor disagreement: the guy who qualified the Americans for the relay medley AFTER HE BROKE HIS GOSHDARNED LEG IN THE MIDDLE OF THE RACE---that's my guy. Eaton is the world's greatest athlete, but a guy who SPRINTS ON A BROKEN LEG 400 meters in 46 seconds is a bigger hero.
Bob Grant| 8.10.12 @ 2:11PM
Eaton ran the 100 in 10.35 seconds, long jumped @ 8.03 meters, shot putted @ 14.66 meters...
Let Insane Dolt compete in 10 events in 2 days and we'll see how he stacks up.
In the mean time, he needs to shut his cake hole.
If he doesn't want to compete in a decathlon, then let's bring back the Superstars competition. I'd just love to see him in the water or with a tennis racket in his hands.
Good Lord, I despise most athletes.
RJ| 8.10.12 @ 7:12PM
I hope the declining appreciation of the decathlon isn't a sign of a dumbed-down public that has lost the ability to appreciate a more complex competition. One hundred years ago the public recognized the athletic accomplishment of the first Decathlon Gold Medal winner, Jim Thorpe, who served as an American legend for decades. Yet today many say the biggest star is the man who won the shortest race in track.
Bob Grant| 8.10.12 @ 9:01PM
It doesn't help that many of these 100 and 200 meter track "stars" are so insufferable, they make Terrel Owens appear humble and introverted.
In answer to your question, yes, the 100 meter is in (which is perfect for our short attention span society) and the decathlon is out. I mean, who has time to pay attention to 10 events, much less 1 that lasts 10 seconds?
Flash wins over substance every time in today's society.
After all, why do you think obama's approvals continue to be in the mid 40's considering his failed record as president? In a sane society he should be in the low 30's, tops!!