US decathlon champion Ashton Eaton embarrassed by gold win
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Decathlon gold medallist Ashton Eaton says he was embarrassed of winning because of the close relationship he has with his fellow competitors.
The American scored a total of 8,869 points across the 10 events, with Trey Hardee and Leonel Suarez taking silver and bronze respectively, but the unity among the competitors was striking.
Like the heptathletes after Jessica Ennis won gold, the 26 athletes still standing at the end of the final event, the 1500m, embraced, shook hands and celebrated together. “I think about all the work my competitors put in — exactly the same as I did — and I wonder why I deserved gold,” said Eaton.
“We’re like a family. We all push each other, we all want to see each other succeed and at the moment, it just so happens that I’m the one who’s succeeding. I can’t believe it.”
There was also joy for the United States in the men’s triple jump, with Christian Taylor taking gold with a season’s best leap of 17.81, edging out compatriot Will Claye and Fabrizio Donato of Italy. Taylor was the strong favourite and after seeing Great Britain’s Phillips Idowu fail to reach the final, he delivered when it mattered.
In the women’s javelin, Czech athlete Barbora Spotakova threw 69.55m to ensure she retained the title she won in Beijing.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments