Performance analysis of the events groups as a predictor of high-level decathletes

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the structure of the decathlon and the value of each of the events an athlete must perform to complete this sports discipline, as well as to determine in which manner these events are grouped in Top-Level athletes with the aim to optimize the methodology of training and improve the selection of talents in the combined events. The sample utilized included the best all-time world specialists until July 2020, and with records equaling or higher than 8300 points (level to achieve the position of Olympic finalist). To establish the adequate grouping of events, a cluster analysis using the existing Euclidean proximity matrix between the different disciplines was utilized. Also, the relative weight (RW) of each discipline was used on the rest of the events and the resulting groupings. The results showed that five clearly-differentiated groups appeared in the decathlon: Group 1: 100 meters, 400 meters, 110 meters Hurdles, Long Jump and Pole Vault (RW= 53.8%); Group 2: High Jump (RW= 9.7%); Group 3: Shot Put and Discus Throw (RW=18.6%) Group 4: Javelin Throw (RW=9.2%) and Group 5. 1500 meters (RW=8.4%). The study proposes that discovering and precisely determining the groups of events in a decathlon allows the possibility to apply efficient principles to optimize the training process in this athletic event.