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decathlete

American  
[dih-kath-leet] / dɪˈkæθ lit /

noun

  1. an athlete who takes part in or trains chiefly for a decathlon.


Etymology

Origin of decathlete

1965–70; blend of decathlon and athlete

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Warburton is a former decathlete who was diagnosed with a degenerative eye condition six years ago and only made his first race start in February 2025.

From BBC • Mar. 4, 2026

Among its champions were decathlete Daley Thompson, javelin thrower Tessa Sanderson, a young rower named Steve Redgrave, and 1,500m runner Seb Coe - who went to lead the World Athletics body.

From BBC • Aug. 10, 2024

Bunevacz is a former decathlete at the University of California, Los Angeles, and also competed for the Philippines in the 1990s.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 21, 2022

His father had his own Olympic aspirations until a car accident cost him his left eye and caused injuries that forced him to give up being a decathlete.

From Fox News • Dec. 28, 2021

She is one of the most famous names in the race thanks to her history as a former Olympic decathlete and reality television star who publicly shared that she was transgender six years ago.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 4, 2021