You are in > manchester.com  > News > American Clay triumphs in men’s decathlon in Beijing

Athletics

American Clay triumphs in men’s decathlon in Beijing

22/08/2008

Bryan Clay has become the first American man to win gold in the decathlon for 12 years.

The 28-year-old dominated the 10-discipline event and finished with 8,791 points including a score of 522 in today’s 1500 metres.

Belarus' Andrei Krauchanka won silver with 8,551 points, while Leonel Suarez of Cuba took bronze with 8,527.

The last American athlete to win the decathlon was Dan O'Brien during the 1996 games in Atlanta.

Elsewhere, Australia’s Steve Hooker won the men's pole vault gold with a new Olympic record of 5.96 metres.

The 26-year-older cleared the height in his last attempt while Russian Evgeny Lukyanenko failed all his attempts on 5.90 meters and won the silver medal with 5.85 meters.

The bronze went to Denys Yurchenko of Ukraine, who suffered an injury after clearing 5.70 meters.

The previous Olympic record was 5.95 metres, set by American Tim Mack in the 2004 games in Athens.