Q 01/05

Over how many consecutive days is a decathlon held?

A) One

B) Three

C) Four

D) Two

Answer · why

D) Two

Five events are held each day, and the winner is decided on points rather than placings.

Q 02/05

Which event traditionally closes the decathlon?

A) 400 metres

B) Javelin throw

C) 1500 metres

D) Pole vault

Answer · why

C) 1500 metres

The first day ends with the 400 metres; day two runs hurdles, discus, pole vault, javelin and then the 1500.

Q 03/05

Which of these is NOT one of the ten decathlon events?

A) 110 m hurdles

B) 200 m

C) Discus throw

D) High jump

Answer · why

B) 200 m

The 200 metres belongs to the women's heptathlon; the decathlon's sprints are the 100 and 400.

Q 04/05

The word decathlon combines the Greek for ten with a word meaning what?

A) Contest or prize

B) Strength

C) Daylight

D) Footrace

Answer · why

A) Contest or prize

It was coined by analogy with pentathlon, the five-event contest of the ancient Games.

Q 05/05

Which king first called Jim Thorpe the World's Greatest Athlete in 1912?

A) Gustav V of Sweden

B) George V of Britain

C) Haakon VII of Norway

D) Christian X of Denmark

Answer · why

A) Gustav V of Sweden

Thorpe reportedly replied simply, Thanks, King.