Joy Bingham, age 15, of Dover, Del., for her question:

WHAT EVENTS ARE IN THE DECATHLON?

One of the most exciting events in the Olympic Games is a two day contest of 10 events to determine an all around track and field champion. The competition is called the decathlon.

In the decathlon, athletes compete in the 100 meter dash, long jump, 16 pound shot put, high jump and 400 meter run, in that order, on the first day. They compete in the 110 meter hurdles, discuss throw, pole vault, javelin throw and 1,500 meter run on the second day.

Up to 1,000 points can be won for each event. The athlete winning the most points in all 10 events wins the decathlon and the gold metal.

The decathlon became a part of the summer Olympic Games in 1912.

The pentathalon is a competition of five events. Women compete in the 100 meter high hurdles, shot put and high jump the first day and the long jump and 800 meter run the second day. Men compete in the long jump, javalin throw, 200 meter run, discuss throw and 1,500 meter run, in that order.