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Ashton Eaton Wins Second Consecutive Gold in Decathlon

At least one Duck will be bringing back gold.

By Matt Sexton
John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Ashton Eaton tied the Olympic Record in the decathlon en route to winning gold and claiming the title of "World's greatest athlete" yet again. Eaton scored 8,893 points in all, and was trailed by Kevin Mayer of France (8,834) and Damian Warner of Canada (8,666). The former Duck's domination in the event is unprecedented; he has won world titles in every non-Olympic year between the two golds, essentially owning the event since the 2012 London Games.

Eaton displayed his greatness early and often, claiming a lead after day one and never looking back. He took second in the 100 (10.46) to eventual bronze medalist Damian Warner before taking the long jump (26-0, 3/4). This marked Eaton's first lead, and 10th and 18th place performances in the shot put and high jump didn't throw him from the top spot. Eaton then ended the day with a virtually uncontested season-best 46.07 400.

Eaton led off day two with a second-place finish in the 110 hurdles (13.80), trailing only Damian Warner (13.58). The win put Warner within 100 points of Eaton in the overall standings. After finishing eighth in the discus, Eaton got back to business in the pole vault, leaping (17-0, 3/4) for fourth place and another 972 points. After a 196-1 throw in the javelin, Eaton led by only 44 points. However, the 1,500 being the lone remaining event left little cause for concern. Eaton took third overall, running 4:23.33, and clinching his second Olympic gold medal in the process. The world's greatest athlete had made it known earlier he hoped to break the world record, but he'll have to settle for tying the Olympic record tonight. On a night where Usain Bolt won the 200, and marked a 100-200 three-peat, his greatness should not be ignored.

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