11 / 08 / 2013
and Ashton's coach, Harry Marra, will present at IFAC this October
With the 2011 World Champion and fellow American, Trey Hardee, out of the decathlon after the fourth event - the decathlon world title looked clear for Ashton Eaton to claim. However, after a disappointing high jump for Eaton, he was momentarily knocked out the lead towards the end of day one. On the final event of day one, Eaton stormed back into the lead with a 46.02 - moe than 1.5seconds quicker than the rest of the decathlon field. " I struggled to find motivation, but before 400m coach told me 'Wake up! Go into the lead for the 2nd day!' And I did it!" tweeted a more enthusiastic Eaton after five events. And his motivation did not leave him on day two, nor did the lead. A solid performance in the 110m hurdles as well as near personal best performances in the pole vault and the javelin saw the World Record Holder and reigning Olympic Champion, Eaton, retain the lead. With the 1500m remaining, Eaton still was in reach of Tomas Dvorak’s 8902 championship record, by running 4:15.9. But, after a gruelling ten events Eaton finished with 8809 points to secure his gold medal, with the German Michael Schrader in second place with 8670 points. Under the guidance of coach Harry Marra, Ashton Eaton has claimed an array of multi-event global titles: World Indoor, Olympic as well as the World Record. His World title in Moscow is better than his silver medal in Daegu 2011. However, there is no time for Coach Marra to rest with the Women's heptathlon starting tomorrow. Canadian Brianne Theisen is in action, after finishing 11th at the London Olympics and winning the Götis IAAF Combined Events Challenge this year, she will be looking to make her mark in Moscow. Harry Marra will present the opening keynote on Saturday 26th October at the Emirates Arena. You can book your place for IFAC 2013 by visiting ifacscotland.co.uk/book-your-place