Day 6: Decathlon & Another World Record

Berlin, Germany: Seriously, it just doesn't get any better than this if you are a track fan. We were able to watch one from our own flock compete in the decathlon and witness yet another world record. Just another day at the World Track & Field Championships.

We were up early and over to the Olympic Stadium before 10a to watch University of Oregon Duck Ashton Eaton compete in Day 2 of the decathlon. Also on tap this morning was Nick Symmonds (Oregon Track Club Elite) in the 800m heats.

Nick Symmonds, ready to race


Of course, he won his heat.

We watched the 800m heats, pole vault qualifying, women's hammer, decathlon 110m hurdles and decathlon discus, then returned to our hotel for a break and lunch.

And by lunch, I mean Wiener Schnitzel.

It's like a hamburger... every restaurant has it on the menu


This particular Wiener Schnitzel came with a warm potato and cucumber salad - with radish sprouts


My lunch date ordered pasta with shrimp


Plus, we shared a plate of fresh greens

We didn't want to miss Ashton in the pole vault, so we ended up taking a taxi to the stadium for the first time (instead of the subway). The taxi was about 15 minutes quicker and cost about $25. The taxi route followed the exact same route as the subway... just above ground. It was interesting to see what we have been missing by taking the subway... plus we weren't packed-in like sardines and totally sweaty by the time we arrived to the stadium this afternoon. We probably won't take a taxi again, but it was a nice experiment.

Germany had high hopes for their lady high jumper, so the stands were completely packed tonight - SOLD OUT - nearly 90,000 fans! Events tonight included long jump qualifying, 110m hurdle semi & final, 5000m heats, women's high jump final, women's 200m semi, and the women's 400m final.

If you can believe it, Usain Bolt broke another world record tonight in the 200m - 19.19 seconds. Mr. Bolt is magic!

The women's high jump was spectacular, with the stunningly-beautiful Croatian, Blanca Vlasic, stealing the gold from superstar German jumper Ariane Friedrich.

Olympic Stadium this evening


Panorama


Faces in the crowd: Edwin Moses

Our Mr. Eaton didn't have his best decathlon, but he is only a senior in college and he was representing his country in the World Athletic Championships. Eaton finished in the middle of the pack - 18th place - but I couldn't be prouder or him. Wait until next time!

However, American Trey Hardee won the decathlon and had a marvelous day - breaking personal best after personal best!

And here are awholebuncha photos of Ashton and the decathletes:

After the decathlon, the athletes gather to celebrate and congratulate each other


Then they take a victory lap


Ashton Eaton gave us the Oregon "O" sign! GO DUCKS!


USA decathlete team: Ashton Eaton (18th), Trey Hardee (Gold Medal) and Jake Arnold (24th)

Tonight, the subway was so jammed, they actually had to close the doors and let things clear out a few times between trains! At least the staff was on top of the situation and had train after train streaming-in to carry the track fans home to their beds.

I could only find enough energy to take a photo in black & white. Look at all the people!

Instead of heading for my laptop, I headed for a hot bath and bed. Sorry. Until my next update, I remain your "tired, but happy" correspondent.