A decathlon is a sporting event combining ten track and field events. The events are 100 meters, 400 meters, 1500 meters, 110 meters hurdles (100 for women), long jump, high jump, pole vault, discus throw, javelin throw and shot put. Hammer throw is not part of the event.

Hammer throw first appeared at the 1900 Olympic Games held in Paris, France. The goal is to throw a heavy metal ball attached to a wire and handle further than other contestants. Originally, only men could compete in this event but women have been allowed since the 2000 Olympic Games held in Sydney, Australia.

The decathlon event has been held at the Olympic Games since 1912. It debuted for men in Stockholm, Sweden. Women do not participate in the decathlon at the Olympics but can enter women-only competitions outside of the games. Instead, women compete in the heptathlon at the Olympics, which comprises seven track and field events. These are the 100 metres hurdles, high jump, shot put, 200 metres, long jump, javelin throw and 800 metres.

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