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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883
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American Ashton Eaton is heavy favorite to repeat decathlon gold at Rio Olympics

Ashton Eaton is favored to win the decathlon this week, (Lee Jin-man / Associated Press)
Ashton Eaton is favored to win the decathlon this week, (Lee Jin-man / Associated Press)
By Jordan Mcpherson Miami Herald

After winning the decathlon at the 2012 Olympics, Ashton Eaton was at a loss for words.

“It’s hard to describe,” Eaton said after he finished the 1,500 meter race to close out the decathlon. “I feel really good.”

The world-record holder in the event and one of just two athletes to break the 9,000-point barrier, Eaton is the heavy favorite to take home the gold again in Rio.

Should he succeed, he would be the first to win the decathlon at back-to-back Olympics since Great Britain’s Daley Thompson (1980 and 1984).

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