Ben Barton (EXSC ’26) became BYU’s first NCAA decathlon champion since 1981 on June 11, winning the national title at the Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Oregon. Competing in his final meet for the Cougars, the senior closed out his career with the second-highest decathlon score in program history.
The NCAA Decathlon spans two days and features ten running, throwing, and jumping events. Barton delivered his strongest performance of the season on day two, opening with a 14.20 in the 110-meter hurdles before throwing a personal-best 42.15 meters in discus. He followed with a season-best 4.31 meters in pole vault and added another personal record with a 55.15-meter javelin throw. He ended the meet with a total of 8169 points.
Barton grew up playing multiple sports but didn’t discover the decathlon until he joined the BYU track team as a high jumper. After asking to try the event, he struggled and was encouraged to return to high jump, but he pushed for more time. By the end of his freshman year, he had improved enough to stay with the decathlon and has competed in it ever since.
As a freshman, Barton trained as much as possible and felt his body break down under the workload. At the same time, he explored several majors before realizing that exercise science was the perfect fit for him. Courses in athletic training proved especially valuable, giving him insight into injury prevention and recovery that he implemented in his decathlon training. “It’s helped me prevent some injuries before they happen and helped me know how to see the signs of injuries starting to develop,” he shares.
Thanks to the knowledge and perspective he’s gained in his classes, he shifted his training approach this year, focusing on the most important elements of each event and prioritizing rest and recovery. “This was actually the first nationals I competed at where I felt like I was 100 percent healthy,” he explains. “That made a huge difference, and I think it was the reason why this one was the most successful out of all my other years.”
Barton also credits his wife, Clara, for his success. The couple welcomed a son five weeks ago, and balancing training with a newborn was challenging. He is grateful for her support, which he feels played a major role in helping him win the title.
Looking back on his experience, Barton acknowledges how staying close to the Spirit has shaped his path. His first coach, Mark Robinson, encouraged him to set spiritual goals and assured him that the Spirit would guide his efforts at BYU. Barton took that counsel to heart, making temple attendance and daily scripture study priorities throughout his college career. “As I've tried to stay close to the Spirit, I've been able to get new ideas with the decathlon,” he shares. “Things have just worked out.”
As he closes this chapter of his life, Barton reflects on the national championship doubling as his final meet. “It’s a little surreal,” he says. “I’ve been doing organized athletics my whole life.” He feels grateful for the coaches who shaped him, passing on their expertise and helping him grow into a stronger athlete. Barton has no doubt the program will continue to thrive under their leadership.
Looking ahead, Barton plans to attend dental school. The technical skills of dentistry appeal to him, much like the daily technique work required in the decathlon. He’s drawn to a field where he can keep learning while making a difference in people’s lives.
