Share

Double Olympic decathlon champion Eaton retires

Paris - Ashton Eaton, the United States' double Olympic decathlon champion, announced his retirement from athletics on Wednesday at the age of 28.

"I give everything to the decathlon. I did all I could. Thank u for making it the best time of my life. I'm retiring," Eaton wrote on Twitter.

Eaton won gold in the decathlon in London in 2012 before retaining his title in Rio last year. He also won world championship gold in Moscow in 2013 and in Beijing in 2015.

He is just the third man to win back-to-back Olympic golds in the discipline, following in the footsteps of his compatriot Bob Mathias (1948, 1952) and Britain's Daley Thompson (1980, 1984).

Eaton's wife, the Canadian heptathlete Brianne Theisen-Eaton, also announced her retirement on Wednesday.

"My passions and interests have changed. Track has given me so much, but it's time to retire. Thank you for the journey," wrote the 28-year-old, a two-time world silver medallist who also won bronze in Rio.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2251 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE