Multi Events

Multi-events refer to athletic contests that involve several games in one ultimate competition. Multi-events athletes participate in the Pentathlon, a modernized version of the ancient Pentathlon Games, as well as the Decathlon for men and Pentathlon for women.

Multi Events: The Pentathlon

The Pentathlon was an athletic event in ancient times, tracing back to the Olympic Games and well as the Panhellenic Games of Greece. The name is derived from the Greek term meaning “five competitions.” The five contests were stadions, (a short foot race), wrestling matches, long jumps, javelin throws and discus throws. The ancient Pentathlon also had a very different system of scoring than is recognized today. Pentathlon winners were chosen by the winner of the stadion and remained champion of the entire multi-event competition. Last but certainly not least, ancient Pentathletes performed in the nude! While there still are nude championships performed today, they are unfortunately far removed from the sport of athleticism. There is also a modern Pentathlon that was reintroduced to the Olympics back in 1912. This contest involves contemporary sports like swimming, horse riding and running.

More Multi Events: The Decathlon

The Decathlon is an athletic event that combines ten different contests. The Decathlon originates from the original Pentathlon though there is a modern version of the competition. Winners of the two-day Decathlon are decided based upon overall performance. A “decathlete” is not required to excel at every or even any contest – however, he must maintain good scores for all ten events.

Multi Events: The Heptathlon

The Heptathlon is an event played by female track and field athletes. The Heptathlon is made up of seven different events that are contested outdoor by female athletes and consist of competitions such as the 100 m hurdle, the high jump, the shot put, the 200 m, long jump, javelin throw and the 800m. The first four events are played on the first day, with the last three events happening on the second day of the Heptathlon. There is a male athlete version of the Heptathlon which is contested in the indoor season of track and field and consists of the 60 m, the long jump, the shot put, the high jump, the 60 m hurdles, the pole vault and the 1000 m. This system is based on a point system for all performances not total wins of the individual games.

In ancient times, “Pentathletes” were regarded as kings among the other athletes. Various cultures today still consider the Decathlon, Heptathlon and Pentathlon as the most prestigious games, even while American culture second-guesses the importance. The only thing better than turning in a solid award, winning Olympic performance is turning in the same great technique and form 10 times over.