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.”
