French decathlete Kevin Mayer found his stride as a hyperactive child by lacing up his athletic shoes. Guided by his parents, Carole and André, both sports educators, he explored various codes such as rugby, handball, tennis, and skiing before shifting his focus to athletics.
In 2009, at 17, the budding French star secured the octathlon gold medal at the World Youth Championships in Bressanone. The following year, he claimed the gold in the decathlon at the 2010 World Junior Championships in Moncton, Canada before adding another global title in 2011, claiming gold at the Junior World Decathlon Championship in Tallinn.
The French decathlete then qualified for the London 2012 Olympic Games, finishing in 15th place at just 20. At the Rio 2016 Olympics, Mayer won silver, second only to the two-time gold medalist Ashton Eaton, who held the world record at the time. His stellar achievement earned him the Knight of the National Order of Merit honour for his profound impact on French athletics.
Athlete Olympic Results Content
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