Bryan Clay: biography

Bryan Clay is the best American decathlete since Dan O'Brien and is hoping to defend his Olympic title in London 2012.

Beginnings

Born in Texas on the 3rd January 1980 and raised in Hawaii Bryan Clay has come from humble beginnings to being one of the world's greatest athletes. A devout christian Bryan began his athletics career at James B Castle high school in Hawaii. However when it came to going to college only one place was offering him the opportunity to be recruited as a decathlete. He started at Azusa Pacific University Los Angeles, California and it was there that Bryan decided to take on the 10 events of the decathlon seriously after a chance meeting with Sydney Olympic bronze decathlon medalist Chris Huffins saw his potential. With his coach Mike Barnett by his side he competed in his first decathlon and hasn't looked back since.

Career

Since 2004 Bryan has been the name to watch in multi-events on the world stage. Competing in the heptathlon, the indoor multi-event equivalent of the decathlon Bryan came home with a World Championship Silver medal, something he repeated two years later in Moscow before finally winning the indoor gold in both 2008 and 2010. He has also won one gold in the outdoor world championships in 2005. It is however the Olympics where he's really left a mark on the event having already won one Silver in Athens and a Gold in Beijing he plans to be the first decathlete since Daley Thompson to win two consecutive Olympic Gold medals at the London 2012 games. He does however have stiff competition from around the world in the guise of World Record Holder Roman Sebrle from Czech Republic, Maurice Smith from Jamaica and compatriots Trey Hardee and Ashton Eaton.

Achievements

Bryan is not only a world class decathlete but wouldn't look out of place lining up in the individual event of a few of his disciplines. With PB's of: 100m 10.35 seconds
Long Jump 8.06 meters
Shot Putt 16.27 meters
High Jump 2.10 meters
400m 47.78 seconds
110m Hurdles 13.64 seconds
Discus 55.87 meters (World Decathlon Best)
Pole Vault 5.15 meters
Javelin 72 meters
1500m 4:38.93 minutes