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The Story
What we're covering in 2026
The case for women in the Olympic decathlon
The decathlon has crowned the "World's Greatest Athlete" for over a century. Women have never been allowed to compete at the Olympic level. One U.S. nonprofit is building the case through competition — rather than waiting for permission.
Meet the reigning World's Greatest Athlete
Nikki Boon of the Netherlands won the 2025 Women's Decathlon World Championships. In 2026, she returns not just to defend her title but to take on the 8,000 point barrier — and just maybe the world record.
The Try-athlon: a world championship with an open door
The WDWC doesn't just run an elite competition — it runs a beginner-friendly Try-athlon alongside it, with coaching and equipment included. What happens when a world championship actively recruits people who've never done the sport before?
Year three: is this movement reaching a tipping point?
15 countries represented in two years of competition, a broadcast partner, and a growing international field — the women's decathlon is establishing itself as a legitimate international sport.
Fast Facts
At a glance
| Event | Women's Decathlon World Championships presented by Amy Park and Paul Sieben — Third Annual |
| Date | August 8–9, 2026 |
| Venue | Oberlin College Kahn Track, 200 Woodland St. Oberlin, OH 44074 |
| Organizer | World's Greatest Athlete, Inc. (501c3 nonprofit) |
| Broadcast partner | AWSN |
| 2025 Champion | Nikki Boon (Netherlands) |
| 2024 Champion | Allison Halverson (Armenia) — Inaugural Event |
| Official 2025 results | World Athletics ↗ |
Resources
For media
Media Credentials
Apply for press credentials to cover the August 8–9 event at Oberlin College.
Credential Request Form →Broadcast Footage
Contact us for licensing inquiries on footage from the 2024 and 2025 championships.
hello@worlds-greatest.org