Is it something in the water?
Maybe it's the brisk, clean air flowing in from the Pacific.
Or perhaps the rugged physical demands of a rural lifestyle?
Whatever the reason, the sparsely populated state of Oregon has produced more than its share of world class decathletes.
And it appears to be no accident that the University of Oregon, long respected for its legendary distance runners, is now becoming known as a hotbed of multi-event excellence, with current NCAA Indoor champions Ashton Eaton and Brianne Theisen being exhibits A and B.
Again, no accident, since new Oregon track and field coach Harry Marra and former coach Dan Steele specialize in the multis.
It seems fitting that a state known for its diversity of outdoor attractions would somehow inspire an athletic event of such diverse disciplines.
Let's take a look at some of Oregon's very own who have risen to the decathlon's greatest stage:
Dan O'Brien - O'Brien, born in Portland, was adopted into a family in Kla...
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