Could Adopting a Decathlon Approach Be the Secret to PE Success?

As a decathlete, I learned that success doesn’t come from focusing on just one thing. To be truly successful in a decathlon, you must balance multiple events—each requiring a different skill set, strategy, and mindset. If I were to focus solely on one event or one training methodology, I’d never have reached my full potential. The same principle applies to physical education.

In the decathlon, you're required to compete in ten diverse events, ranging from high-intensity sprints to endurance in the 1500m, explosive power in the throws, and technical skill in the jumps. If I'd trained for just one event, no matter how hard I worked, I’d have neglected the areas where I’m weakest, and that imbalance would have hurt my overall performance.

This balancing act is similar to what I see happening in physical education today. Too often, PE teachers get caught up in the search for the "best" method of teaching. Debates over which approach is superior—whether it's high-performance PE, inclusivity in sports, or a concept-based approach—often overshadow the bigger picture. Everyone is looking for the "right" way to teach PE. But just like in the decathlon, focusing on one area alone won’t lead to success.

What if, instead of chasing the perfect approach, we embraced a variety of methods, just like a decathlete must train across multiple disciplines? By balancing different strategies, PE teachers can achieve better results and meet the diverse needs of their students. Some students might excel in structured, traditional activities, while others may benefit from adaptive methods or creative, game-based approaches. The beauty of this variety is that each student can learn something valuable from every method. By accepting that there isn't a single "right" way, we can create a more inclusive and engaging environment for all students.

Constantly searching for the latest trend in PE is much like a decathlete ignoring certain events they find challenging, hoping it’ll improve on its own. It won’t. Imagine training for pole vaulting in the hopes that it will somehow improve your shot put or thinking that building strength for the throws will enhance your performance in the 1500m. That approach would clearly be ineffective.

Just as I needed to use a variety of training methods to improve in all areas of the decathlon, PE must adapt and incorporate multiple strategies that support the overall development of every student. If we get too fixated on one method, we risk missing critical opportunities for growth in other areas.

In the long run, just as a decathlete doesn’t focus solely on one event but strives to balance all ten, the goal of PE is not to find the "best" way to teach but to embrace a variety of approaches that meet students where they are and help them grow in physical activity. By adopting a balanced teaching approach, we can create more dynamic and engaging PE programs that offer students the best opportunities to thrive. Perhaps we should strive to build a school full of “decathletes” who can excel in anything they set their mind to.