Hans Olav Uldal scored over 8000 points (0)
Audrey Walton Combined Events, Columbia, Missouri -
Hans Olav Uldal (Norway) scored 8018 points in winning the men's decathlon, breaking his own school record by over 250 points enroute to earning an IAAF World Championship "A" standard for the 2007 meet in Osaka. Uldal has the third-best score in the World to begin the early 2006 season.
After a day one score of 3996, the 8000 score looked to be in reach, but, it wouldn't be easy. Temperatures for the second-straight day crept to near 32C degrees, but all competitors were helped by a good southerly breeze. Uldal's wind average totaled 3,1m/s for all straight-line races, within the allowable.
"I was pretty happy to get over 8000," said Uldal. "My goal coming into the year was to score 8000 points, not to do in this meet. But, the conditions were just right, and I felt good the whole way. I was nervous, but I felt if I just stayed consistent, as I had all weekend; I would be able to do it. This is really a thrill, and I think I am ready to have a really good season."
Tom Pappas, 2003 World champion in the decathlon, was in the competition, but discontinued after no mark in high jump.