What sport demonstrates who is the greatest athlete Decathlon or Triathlon?

Question

I should mention this is an open water swim. Yes the Olympics is a shorter version , but that makes it more of a sprint and less a endurance contest.

Answer 1

Another excellent question, it's tough to answer. They both require great skill and stamina. The things that make the 2 different in the slightest way is "how" the body reacts while being used non-stop, all at once (triathlon) and periodically (decathlon). Both sports or events, use the same muscles, just at different times, not to mention the rest periods for a decathlete vs triathlete. I think that triathletes have it harder because of the distance involved, overall endurance necessary to complete the grueling race and natural elements. Decathletes require more refined skills to compete in their "10" events at such a level. The triathlete has only 3 events rolled into 1, where as the decathlete has more chances to make up for poor performance/s.  They are both some of the best athletes around.

ADD: What is forgotten here is the toll that is taken on the brain as well when you are going non-stop. While it is easier to beat one self up for a poor event, it is also another thing to be able to shake off a bad performance, knowing you have other events to make up for a poor individual event, as such in the decathlon.

Answer 2

both work hard but the decathlon is 10 events, so that would be my choice.

it looks like the olympic tri is shorter than other ones i have seen on tv

Answer 3

sure! you can do this subject

Answer 4

Triathalon by far.

Swim forever, Ride forever, Run a marathon.

These skills could save your life and get you laid.

I mean it may be fun to watch once in a while, but who cares about the pole vault or high jump. "Hey ladies watch me shot put"

It's not even close.

Answer 5

That is straight forward... 10 measurements of atheletic ability is far better than 3 measurements. While the triathlon measures endurance related events, it does little to measure speed, strength, quickness & agility.

Actually the triathlon is pretty whimpy compared to the decathon.