Why are decathlon and heptathlon considered difficult?

Answer 1

Because the athlete performs many different events over a two day period that require different qualities which include speed, strength, and endurance. You will never see someone in a track meet that enters both a speed event and a strength event (such as the 100/200 meter dash and shot put). But the decathlete/heptathlete must perform both events. Add to that a middle distance event (1500 meter run in decathlon and 800 meter run in heptathlon) that is always run as the last event and you can add endurance to the speed and strength these athletes must have. Decathletes and hepathletes are considered the best athletes in the world.