American Ashton Eaton ready to chase decathlon record

Eugene, Oregon Watching American Ashton Eaton compete is to view the future of the decathlon. Already the world record holder in the indoor multi-events, the 24-year-old appears mentally and physically ready to challenge Czech Roman Sebrle’s 2001 world decathlon record of 9.026 points.

“That only one guy has done it [top 9,000 points] is a testament to how tough the event is to master,” Eaton told reporters after a pre-US Olympic trials news conference on Tuesday.

“But it is an obtainable mark, and if it is there, I am definitely going to go for it.

“Based on what I have been doing in practice, I would probably be able to get it, maybe sooner than later.”

Eaton’s rapid improvement in the field events, with the throws still a work in progress, has put him on that plateau.

Yet, the Oregon native refuses to paint himself as the favourite in a highly competitive decathlon this weekend at the US trials in Eugene.

“I don’t think anybody but Cassius Clay [boxer Muhammad Ali] would answer that question with ‘Yeah, I am the one’,” he said of the two-day competition, which boasts not only Eaton but Olympic champion Bryan Clay and twice world champion Trey Hardee.

“I am confident that I can get personal bests,” Eaton said. “I am not sure how many points.”