A Review of Injury Patterns in Athletes Competing in Combined Competitions: Heptathlon and Decathlon

Decathlon and heptathlon, the flagship events in the category of "combined events" within the sport of track and field, are contested by athletes possessing skill and talent in running, jumping, and throwing. The athleticism required to excel in decathlon and heptathlon has led to the unofficial recognition of the Olympic champions in these events, as "the greatest athletes in the world." The diversity of training and the intense demands of competition place these athletes at risk for a variety of injuries. The team physician or event physician must be knowledgeable about this unique group of athletes to deliver appropriate medical care when needed. The purpose of this article is to review the common injuries and injury patterns affecting the combined event athlete.