It was if the American would also break his own world record in the process .
RIO DE JANEIRO -- The only drama in the men 's decathlon competition was n't whether reigning gold medalist Ashton Eaton would repeat as Olympic champion .
RIO DE JANEIRO was if the American would also break Ashton Eaton 's own world record in the process .
RIO DE JANEIRO -- The only drama in the men 's decathlon competition was n't whether reigning gold medalist Ashton Eaton would repeat as Olympic champion .