Bryan Clay becomes the first American to win the gold in the decathlon since 1996.

The Decathlon is a strenuous event that takes place over the course of two days with a breakdown as follows:

DAY ONE DAY TWO

100 m dash 110 m high hurdles
Long jump Discus throw
Shot put Pole vault
High jump Javelin throw
400 m dash 1500 m run

Muscular Strength is an important skill to have and weight training is a one of the ways to go about it. Strength gains will help in the throwing events, such as javelin and shot put, while muscular strength in your calves will help in the jumping events. Muscular gains in both your upper and lower body as well as your abdominals help to maintain your form when you are fatigued.

The problem with developing a weight training routine for the decathalete is that due to the sheer number of events that the athlete must train for, fitting in the time to lift weights can prove difficult.
According to an interview by Mens Article with Clay:

MEN’S FITNESS: With 10 events to prepare for, what is the decathlete’s training strategy?

BRYAN CLAY: We usually try to touch on each event at least twice a week, with some variation of two or three events a day.

However, with a well planned schedule, one should be able to fit in weight training as well. The most important thing to remember though is that rest is key and one should not skimp out on it.

Other key factors needed to be a successful decathlon athlete:

Neuromuscular - The coordination of specific movements into a motor pattern to enhance the body’s ability to efficiently apply force. This includes hand-eye & hand-implement coordination. This aspect is the most important to an athlete and should take priority in training, because without technique there is no performance. Not only that, but the necessary coordinated usually is what takes an athlete the longest to train.

Muscular Endurance – The ability to sustain muscular contraction over a period of time (sustained aerobic work)

Cardiovascular Endurance – Efficient utilization of oxygen over a sustained period of time.

Flexibility – Enables the body’s lever system to apply force over an increased range of motion. Athletic performance will be enhanced, plus the incidence of injury will be reduced.

Mental Toughness – As you can already tell, training for the decathlon is a grueling affair. One needs determination, discipline, desire and perseverance among other traits to truly succeed. One can have all the other necessary qualities (as outlined above), but if you are not mentally prepared, you will have a short career.

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Bryan Clay – Javelin Decathlon U.S. Olympic Trials 2008

Bryan Clay – Pole Vault Decathlon U.S. Olympic Trials 2008