How is the winner of a decathlon determined?

Answer 1

Points are awarded based on the performance in each of the ten events comprising the decathlon. These individual scores are than totaled to reflect the competitors overall score as so that score can be evaluated to determine a rank and winner of that decathlon competition.

The scores themselves are derived from from a scoring table that is maintained by the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF).

Provided is a link to the most recent published IAAF scoring table book in downloadable PDF format. Additionally, the book will highlight the history of the scoring tables and highlight initiatives toward future combined sporting events.

Answer 2

There is a table of scores published by the IAAF based on specific formulae across the ten events. Each result in each event gives you a certain amount of points. Each athlete trains to try to get the most points in each event. Each athlete has their good and poor events. By the end of the decathlon, the points are totaled. The most points is the winner.