Meaning: The quote "And there is such a thing as a decathlon high. It's like a rock rolling down hill, picking up momentum. You get better and better." by Dan O'Brien, an accomplished decathlete, encapsulates the intense and exhilarating experience of competing in and mastering the decathlon, a grueling athletic event that demands exceptional skill, endurance, and versatility. This quote reflects the unique physical and mental challenges that decathletes face, as well as the euphoric sense of achievement that comes with improving and excelling in each of the ten events that make up the decathlon.

The decathlon is a two-day athletic competition consisting of ten track and field events, designed to test the overall athleticism of the competitors. These events include the 100 meters, long jump, shot put, high jump, 400 meters, 110 meters hurdles, discus throw, pole vault, javelin throw, and 1500 meters. Competing in the decathlon requires a diverse skill set, as athletes must excel in sprinting, jumping, throwing, and endurance events. The physical demands of the decathlon are immense, and athletes must possess exceptional speed, strength, agility, and stamina to succeed in this multifaceted competition.

Dan O'Brien, the author of the quote, is a highly regarded figure in the world of decathlon. He is known for his impressive achievements in the sport, including winning multiple world championships and an Olympic gold medal in the decathlon. O'Brien's firsthand experience and expertise in the decathlon make his insights particularly valuable, as he understands the mental and physical challenges that athletes face when competing in such a demanding event.

The analogy of a "decathlon high" as "like a rock rolling down hill, picking up momentum" vividly captures the sense of improvement and progress that athletes experience as they compete in the decathlon. The comparison to a rock gaining momentum as it rolls downhill suggests a sense of acceleration and growth, as athletes build upon their performances in each event, gaining confidence and momentum as they progress through the competition. This analogy also conveys the idea that success in the decathlon is not linear but rather accumulative, with each event contributing to the overall performance and sense of achievement.

The quote also alludes to the addictive nature of the decathlon, as O'Brien describes the experience of getting "better and better" as a competitor. The pursuit of improvement and the thrill of mastering each event can create a sense of exhilaration and satisfaction that becomes almost addictive for decathletes. This "decathlon high" reflects the intense passion and dedication that athletes bring to the sport, as they continually strive to push their limits and surpass their previous performances.

In conclusion, Dan O'Brien's quote about the "decathlon high" provides a compelling insight into the intense and rewarding nature of competing in the decathlon. The analogy of a rock gaining momentum as it rolls downhill effectively captures the sense of progress and improvement that athletes experience, while also highlighting the addictive and exhilarating nature of mastering the diverse challenges presented by the decathlon. O'Brien's perspective as a highly accomplished decathlete adds depth and authenticity to his description of the unique experience of competing in this demanding athletic event.