Tom Pappas

Event: Decathlon
Height: 6-5
Weight: 205
PR: Decathlon - 8,784 (2003); 1st Day (4,691) - 10.65, 7.96m, 16.48m, 2.21m, 47.58;  2nd Day (4,233) - 13.90, 52.18m, 5.20m, 66.56m, 4:35.15
Born: 1976, in Azalea, Ore.
Current Residence: Knoxville, Tenn.
High School: Glendale, (OR) HS ‘92
Colleges: Lane CC ‘96, Tennessee ‘99
Coach:  Brian Brophy & Kip Janvrin
Agent: Self
Club: Nike

Career Highlights: 2003 World Outdoor champion; 2000 Olympic Trials champion; 5th at 2000 Olympics; 5-time USA Outdoor champion (‘00, ‘02, ‘03, ‘06, ‘07); 1999 NCAA champion

Pappas claimed his fifth U.S. Outdoor decathlon title and second in a row in 2007 before traveling to Osaka, Japan, for the World Outdoor Championships, where he dropped out of the competion after six events due to an injury. Following an injury in 2005, he bounced back to win the 2006 USA Outdoor decathlon title and showed up again in the world rankings (#7 in world, #2 U.S.) by Track & Field News. Pappas had surgery in March 2005 for a torn labrum in his shoulder and was unable to compete that year, though he did continue training in all events except the javelin and pole vault. After winning the 2003 World Outdoor crown, Pappas, who is of Greek heritage and has a large Greek fan base, was a gold-medal favorite in the decathlon for the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. Unfortunately, Pappas was forced to drop out of the Olympic competition after he hurt his left foot on his first pole vault attempt at 4.61 meters/15 feet, 1 inch. Pappas was diagnosed with an acute strain in his left foot. In 2003 Pappas became the only American other than the legendary Dan O'Brien to win World Championships gold in the decathlon...had minor surgery on his right shoulder on January 27, 2004 to remove cartilage...throws left handed...Pappas established himself as one of the greatest decathletes in U.S. history with his winning total of 8,784 points at the 2003 USA Outdoor Championships, making him the then #2 American of all-time and setting a meet record. Pappas beat the world's finest to win gold in the heptathlon at the 2003 World Indoor Championships...participated in football, baseball, wrestling and basketball in high school and was Junior class president. His grandfather was a professional wrestler who encouraged him to try the sport as well. His father, Nick, constructed a full-size wrestling ring in their basement so Tom and his two brothers could take turns body slamming each other. Pappas' competitive nature comes from his father, who has dealt with paralysis most of his life after becoming a victim of polio before age two. Despite being physically challenged, Nick Pappas became the family's first world record holder when he and a partner claimed a land speed record at the Bonneville Salt Flats in a vehicle that achieved a top velocity of more than 700 kilometers per hour... In 1995, Pappas began training as a decathlete, winning his first-ever decathlon with 6,746 points...Married to heptathlete Kim Schiemenz.

Competition Results:
2007: USA Outdoor champion (8,352)...dnf at World Outdoor Champs...ranked #2 in U.S. by T&FN...best of 8,352.
2006: USA Outdoor champion (8,319)...ranked #7 in world (#2 U.S.) by T&FN...best of 8,319.
2005: Had shoulder surgery and did not compete.
2004: 2nd at Olympic Trials (8,517 points)...dnf at Olympic Games due to a foot injury (6,182)... 2nd at Gotzis (8,732)...ranked #4 in world (#2) U.S....best of 8,732.