The Hecathlon

 

How would it work?

Qualifiers would participate in 100 events, chosen from 25 or 50 different sports. The number of qualifiers would be held to 10 for the finals. Therefore each qualifier would choose 1 event from 10 different sports. For example, Des would choose: The 200 meter butterfly from swimming, the trampoline from gymnastics, the marathon from track & field, boxing, billiards, pistol shooting, archery, slalom from skiing, sabre from fencing, and bicycling.

 

How is it scored?

Each person is awarded points as a percentage of the current world record.

 

How long would it take?

At least 30 days, depending on the number of fatalities tolerated. Although some sports, such as ping pong or riflery, could be finished in the same day, others, such as a marathon, would require one day by itself and maybe several more days to rest before the next event.

 

Has it ever been completed?

Not by any of us. We discontinued it in 1985, after four weeks. The constraints had a lot to do with professional and family responsibilities. Olympic athletes might be able to dedicate enough time to complete an entire series.

To be continued . . .