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 "ten") and ἄθλος (
áthlos, or ἄθλον,
áthlon, meaning "feat"). Events are held over two consecutive days and the winners are determined by the combined performance in all. Performance is judged on a points system in each event, not by the position achieved. The decathlon is contested mainly by male athletes, while female athletes typically compete in the
heptathlon.