100 m

This first event is all about basic speed, which is of course also an important factor in other disciplines. So a good result here is an indicator for good shape, giving hope for good results in the course of the competition, and is of course also psychologically important for the further competition.

Each athlete is allowed one false start, after two false starts he will be disqualified, which is of course a disaster for the competition. For a score to be valid, tailwind speed may not be larger than 2,0 m/s - as for any other event where wind speed is measured (long jump, 110 m hurdles).


Decathletes mostly start their preparations already up to 4 hours before the start of the 100 m race, getting the circulation going and warming up their muscles.

Good sprinters mostly come (not very surprisingly) from the USA. Some, e.g. Chris Huffins, can / could run times below 10,40 s - which many "professional" sprinters find hard to achieve. For this they are awarded around 1000 points (22 points for 0,10 s).

Some of the best decathletes in this event with their PBs:

• Chris Huffins (USA) - 10,22 s
• Dan O'Brien (USA) - 10,31 s
• Bryan Clay (USA) - 10,36 s
• Trey Hardee (USA) - 10,40 s
• Yunior Díaz (CUB) - 10,4h s

To compare the current world record for this event is 9,69 s, held by Usain Bolt.