Photos: America’s greatest athlete becomes Canadian for a day

Ashton Eaton was wearing Canadian colours today at Rio's Olympic stadium in support of his wife Brianne Theisen-Eaton during the heptathlon.

Ashton Eaton
August 12, 2016
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Heptathlete Brianne Theisen-Eaton is Canada’s best shot at an Olympic gold medal and she was cheered on today by her husband who was wearing unfamiliar colours. Eaton, an American and the world record holder in the decathlon, showed his support in a rather faux pas way by donning a red Canada hat in the stands.

RELATED: A non-runner’s guide to the heptathlon and the decathlon.

The heptathlon is a women’s-only event competed over the span of two days. Athletes contest seven events and the final standings are based on a cumulative score from each of the seven individual events.

How the two met

The two met while attending the University of Oregon in Eugene. Theisen-Eaton is from Humboldt, Sask. but continues to train with the Oregon Track Club alongside her husband. Eaton will competing in the decathlon beginning Aug. 17. It’s rare for a married couple to be competing at the Olympics, let alone winning a medal each.

The two married in July 2013 after competing for the Ducks in university and are considered one of the few world-class track couples. Eaton will be sporting a similar look on Saturday as confirmed by Eaton on Twitter.

The 27-year-old is currently fifth after the 100m hurdles and the high jump with the 200m and shot put still to come tonight as the first four events wrap up day one. The 800m will be the seventh and final event on Saturday where the Olympic champion is decided.

Because the couple’s events typically take place on different days at major competitions, Eaton usually sports the Canadian colours to support his wife. He wore a Canada t-shirt at the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

See Theisen-Eaton finish fifth in the women’s heptathlon high jump

There is still plenty of action to go in the heptathlon for Theisen-Eaton to make up the 113-point deficit she’s facing. Athletes earn points based on their performance in each event and the higher the point score, the better.

Photos of Ashton in red take over Twitter

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