While many of of his orienteering colleagues were battling the heat and flies in the World Rogaining Championships in the Warrumbungles, Waggaroos stalwart Rod Dominish last month won the Double Decathlon for Men 60+, in the 25th World Championships, held for the first time in Australia, in Bendigo.

The Double Decathlon is scored over 20 events 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 3000m, 5000m, 10000m, 110m hurdles, 200m hurdles, 400m hurdles, 3000m steeplechase, long jump, triple jump, high jump, pole vault, shot put, hammer throw, javelin, and discus.

Rod attributes his success to the fact that in contrast to the traditional decathlon, where power events predominate, the Double Decathlon features a high proportion of distance events, and Rod’s orienteering and distance running background suited him particularly well.

For those wanting to try something a little different, the next championships will be held in Finland in August next year.