Decathlon world record progression Decathlon world record progression The first world record in the decathlon was recognized by the International Association of Athletics Federations in 1922. As of 23 June 2012, 36 men's world records have been ratified by the IAAF in the event. The first world record in the women's decathlon was recognized by the IAAF in 2004. As of 21 June 2009, two world records have been ratified by the IAAF in the event. The current world record holder in the decathlon is French national Kevin Mayer. Over the years athletes have become bigger, stronger, and faster; in turn athletes scored more
Decathlon event. The "% Difference" column shows the percentage difference between the time, distance or height of the individual world record and the decathlon record (other than the "Total" entry, which shows the percentage difference between awarded decathlon points). The relative differences in points are much higher in throwing events than in running and jumping events. Decathlon bests are only recognised when an athlete completes the ten-event competition with a score over 7,000 points. Decathlon The decathlon is a combined event in athletics consisting of ten track and field events. The word decathlon is of Greek origin, from δέκα ("déka", meaning