Points are awarded for the athlete's best performance in each of ten events with the action spread over two days.

Dean Macey was close to an Olympic bronze in 2000

It starts with the 100m, long jump, shot put, high jump and 400m. The second day sees the 110m hurdles, discus, pole vault, javelin and the gruelling 1500m.

Daley Thompson (GB). Born 30.7.58
Daley Thompson dominated the world of decathlon between 1978 and 1987, setting four world and 10 UK and Commonwealth records.

He combined his natural talent with a never-say-die attitude, claiming Olympic, World, European and Commonwealth titles along the way.

His first Olympic gold came in 1980 - finishing more than 100 points clear of his competitors and more success followed four years later in Los Angeles, overcoming close rival Jurgen Hingsen.

Injuries late in his career prevented him from achieving his goal of a hat-trick of Olympic titles but he had already achieved enough to qualify as one of the greatest-ever athletes.