Eugene, Ore. – Ashton Eaton brought a record capacity crowd to full roar Saturday at Hayward Field as the Oregon graduate set a world record in the decathlon, scoring 9,039 points to break the previous record of 9,026 set in 2001 by the Czech Republic’s Roman Sebrle.
Eaton’s record was the first world record set at the U.S. Olympic Trials since Michael Johnson’s 19.66 in the 200m at Atlanta in 1996. It was also the fifth time an American set a decathlon world record at the Trials, a feat most recently achieved in 1976 by Bruce Jenner. Former record holders Jenner and Dan O’Brien were on hand to great Eaton at the finish line.
Needing to run better than 4:16.23 in the 1500m to crack the WR, Eaton followed Curtis Beach and Joe Detmer through the first three-and-a-half laps before crossing the line in 4:14.48 as Beach waved him through the line.
2011 World champion Trey Hardee claimed the second spot on the podium with a score of 8,383 points and will join Eaton in London. Gray Horn was third at 7,954.
