London Olympics | Men’s decathlon

Decathlon gold medal winner Ashton Eaton, left, and silver medalist Trey Hardee, both of the United States, hold up the American flag at the end of the competition Thursday.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Ashton Eaton of the United States is congratulated by Germany’s Rico Freimuth after Eaton won the gold medal in the decathlon.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Olympic athletes from the men’s decathlon competition join in unity as they wave to the crowd at the end of the event.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Ashton Eaton hurls himself over the bar in the pole vault competition of the decathlon. Eaton won the gold medal.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Trey Hardee of the United States likes his throw in the javelin portion of the men’s decathlon competition. Hardee ended up with a silver medal.  (Matt Rourke / Associated Press)

Trey Hardee of the U.S. reacts as he clears the bar in the pole vault segment of the men’s decathlon competition.  (Matt Slocum / Associated Press)

Ashton Eaton muscles a throw in the discus portion of the men’s decathlon.  (David J. Phillip / Associated Press)

A bird’s eye view of U.S. competitor Trey Hardee as he prepares to throw the discus during the men’s decathlon event.  (Pawel Kopczynski / Associated Press)

Trey Hardee, right, and Ashton Eaton, left, both of the United States, out-distance Germany’s Rico Freimuth in the 110 meter hurdles segment of the men’s decathlon.  (Daniel Ochoa De Olza / Associated Press)

Ashton Eaton of the United States strains for the finish line in the 110 meter hurdles segment of the men’s decathlon.  (Martin Meissner / Associated Press)