CANTON, Mo. — Delaney Straus, a junior at Culver-Stockton College and a graduate of Marion County High School, is set to compete on an international stage as she represents the United States at the upcoming Women’s Decathlon World Championships. This prestigious event will be held on August 16-17 at SPIRE Academy in Geneva, Ohio, marking the second annual championship.
This year’s competition is notable as it showcases the first international women’s decathlon. In the inaugural event, Allison Halverson from Armenia claimed victory, followed by Roseva Bidois of France and the U.S.’s own Jordyn Bruce.
Decathlon Events Overview
The women’s decathlon includes a total of ten events, divided into:
- Running Events:
- 100-meter dash
- 400-meter dash
- 1,500-meter run
- 100-meter hurdles
- Field Events:
- High jump
- Pole vault
- Long jump
- Shot put
- Discus throw
- Javelin throw
Straus’s Athletic Achievements
Delaney Straus boasts an impressive athletic record, having achieved the status of a two-time NAIA All-American in the heptathlon, which comprises seven events. She made noteworthy finishes, landing seventh place in both the 2024 and 2025 championships. Furthermore, she is the two-time defending Heart of America Athletic Conference champion, earning the school record in the heptathlon during the 2024 NAIA Outdoor Championships.
Straus has also shown exceptional performance at the prestigious Drake Relays, where she ranked eighth in 2024 and thirteenth in 2025.
Record Holder and Versatile Athlete
In addition to her heptathlon success, Straus holds five school records in various outdoor track and field events. These records include:
- 100-meter hurdles
- 400-meter hurdles
- 800-meter run
- 1,500-meter run
- Long jump
Additionally, she ranks second all-time at Culver-Stockton in both the triple jump and javelin throw, demonstrating her diverse skill set and remarkable athletic capability.
