Roman celebrates and indicates his FIFTH Götzis victory (© Hasse Sjögren)
Roman Sebrle, the World Record holder in the Decathlon, confirmed his 10th consecutive appearance at the Hypomeeting in Gotzis, Austria, on 27-28 May.
The 31-year-old Czech set the current World record of 9026 points in Gotzis in 2001, to date still the only tally to reach beyond the 9000 point barrier. Sebrle has won the event five times --2001 to 2005-- was second once and fourth twice, after his 1997 debut in the Austrian town when he finished sixth.
Annually one of the finest multi-event competitions, the 32nd edition is shaping up to be no different. Americans Bryan Clay and Tom Pappas, the 2005 and 2003 World champions respectively, will compete, along with Dmitry Karpov of Kazakhstan and Hungary's Attila Zsivotzky, respectively the bronze medallist from Athens and Helsinki. Andre Niklaus, who captured the World indoor heptathlon title in Moscow last month, is also entered.
Sebrle won the hotly-contested competition last year with 8534 points over Zsivotzky's 8480.
Bob Ramsak for the IAAF
