Tomas Dvorak (Czech Republic) took the overall lead in the decathlon after a personal best of 13.61 in the first event of the second day. Dvorak is looking like a favourite to win the decathlon as in all six events he has performed better than in his personal best series (in Atlanta 1996). Dvorak has a total of 5552 points. Chris Huffins (USA), who had been leading the competition until this event, ran 14.04 and is now in 2nd place with 5517 points.
Two challengers threaten Huffins' hold on silver. Frank Busemann (Germany) was the fastest of the field in the hurdles with a 13.55. Busemann maintained third place which he held after day 1. He is now 38 points behind Huffins with his 5479 points. Also, Eduard Hamalainen (Finland) ran well, recording a seasonal best of 13.74. Hamalainen, who is very strong in the next two events, is looking to catch Huffins and Busemann in the discus and pole vault. Hamalainen is now in 4th place with 5443 points, 36 less than Busemann.
One of the favourites, 1992 Olympic champion, Robert Zmelik (Czech Republic), was unlucky to fall after the 6th hurdle and not finish the race. Also, Sebastian Chmara (Poland), in 6th place after day 1, was forced to drop out before the start of day 2.
