RIO DE JANEIRO – Ashton Eaton is still the world’s greatest athlete. The American star totaled 8,893 points over the 10 events of the decathlon to defend his Olympic title. Eaton’s 8,323 total ties Roman Sebrle’s Olympic record of 8,893 from the 2004 Olympics in Athens.
Eaton, 28, is the first man to defend his Olympic title since Great Britain’s Daley Thompson won in 1980 and 1984.
Eaton led the competition after the first day but France’s Kevin Mayer kept him within striking distance headed into the men’s 1,500 meters. Mayer needed to run about six seconds faster than Eaton in the final event but Eaton prevailed as he crossed the finish line in 4:23.