Ashton Eaton of the U.S. showed exactly why he is considered the best all-round athlete in the world by cruising to decathlon gold in the London Olympics.
The 24-year-old from Eugene, Ore, produced a completely dominant performance over two extremely gruelling days to garner 8,869 points over 10 disciplines, 198 points more than silver medallist and fellow American Trey Hardee (8,671). It was the first time two Americans won the gold and silver in the decathlon since Milton Gray Campbell and Rafer Johnson in 1956. Cuba's Leonel Suarez (8,523) took the bronze medal.
"I worked really hard for this, I just can't believe it," an elated Eaton said. "When I think about all the work I've put in, all the guys have put in a lot of work.
"I wonder why I deserved the gold because all these other guys worked so hard as well. It's like a family out there, all wanting to succeed."
Hardee, the two-time world champion, was humble in defeat. "It's safe to say my reign is over," Hardee said. "I still think my best decathlon is ahead of me, but Ashton's are, too.
"As the days and weeks and months and years pass, I think Ashton and I will look back on this and realize how special it really is and what this really meant."
All the athletes participated in 10 event over two days, with five events per day; so when a reporter asked Eaton who he thought was the better athlete - Usain Bolt or Eaton, Hardee stepped in with the answer.
"Just so Ashton doesn't have to sound selfish or self-centered; Ashton is the best athlete to ever walk the planet. Hands down," Hardee said. "The title bestowed on the decathlon champion is 'World's Greatest Athlete,' and Ashton is the world-record holder in that event.
"Usain Bolt can be the fastest man on the planet because that's the title that's bestowed on those event winners. Just because you're fast doesn't make you an athlete."
Bolt, who won the 200 meter title to become the first man to defend both Olympic sprint titles, also agreed. "I'm a great athlete," the Jamaican said. "But to do 10 events, especially the 1,500, I've got to give it to him."
"This is super hard to grasp," Eaton said. "For me, I want 10 perfect events. If I really felt like I was the world's greatest athlete, I'd get 10 great events. But I know that's pretty much not possible. That's the toughness of the decathlon."
