Ducks Invade London 2012: Ashton Eaton, USA, Decathlon

Earlier this year at the Olympic Trials, Ashton Eaton set the world record for the Decathlon, joining Bruce Jenner, Dan O'Brien, and Rafer Johnson as Americans who have held the record. He did it on the 100th anniversary of the event being in the Olympics, with many former Olympic champions looking on. Even more impressive, Eaton accomplished his feat in bad weather, as the conditions were wet and dreary. He is also one of only two decathletes to ever break the 9000 point barrier.

24 years old, Eaton was a five-time NCAA champion at the University of Oregon and is a native son; he was born in Portland and raised in Bend. He is the world record holder in both the Heptathlon and Decathlon and enters the Olympics as the favorite in the Decathlon, which consists of ten events over two days. Day one typically consists of 100 meters, Long Jump, Shot Put, High Jump, and 400 meters. Day two consists of 110 meter hurdles, Discus Throw, Pole Vault, Javelin Throw, and 1500 meters.

Eaton is also the fiance of Oregon star Brianne Thiesen, who will represent Canada in the Heptathlon at the London Olympics. The two figure to garner a lot of attention as they are both young, attractive, intelligent, and extremely talented. Many people consider the winner of the Decathlon to be the de-facto "best athlete in the world."

Many congrats to Ashton and GO DUCKS!