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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

EventWomen's Decathlon World Championships — Third Annual
DateAugust 8–9, 2026
VenueSPIRE Academy, 5201 Spire Cir, Geneva, OH 44041
OrganizerWorld's Greatest Athlete, Inc. (501c3 nonprofit)
Broadcast partnerAWSN
2025 ChampionNikki Boon (Netherlands)
2024 ChampionAllison Halverson (Armenia) — Inaugural Event
Official 2025 resultsWorld Athletics ↗

Resources

For media

Press Contact

Lauren Kuntz
World's Greatest Athlete, Inc.

lauren@worlds-greatest.org

Media Credentials

Apply for press credentials to cover the August 8–9 event at SPIRE Academy.

Credential Request Form →

Broadcast Footage

Contact us for licensing inquiries on footage from the 2024 and 2025 championships.

hello@worlds-greatest.org