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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 9:04 p.m., Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Bryan Clay takes Olympic decathlon lead after three events

Advertiser Staff and News Services

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

United States' Bryan Clay won the 100-meter dash of the men's decathlon.

ANJA NIEDRINGHAUS | Associated Press

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Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

United States' Bryan Clay makes an attempt in the long jump of the men's decathlon.

DAVID J. PHILLIP | Associated Press

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Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

United States' Bryan Clay finished second in the shot put of the men's decathlon.

THOMAS KIENZLE | Associated Press

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BEIJING — Hawai'i's Bryan Clay of the United States got off to a good start Thursday winning the first two events and placing second in the third event for the overall lead of the men's decathlon at the Beijing Summer Olympics.

Clay led the 10-event competition with 2,862 points. Oleksiy Kasyanov of the Ukraine was second with 2,717. American Trey Hardee was third with 2,657.

Clay, a Castle High alum from Kane'ohe, won the 100-meter dash in 10.44 seconds for 989 points. He won the long jump with a season best 7.78 meters (25 feet, 6€ inches) for 1,005 points. Clay was second in the shot put with a throw of 16.27 meters (53 feet, 4 inches), a personal best for 868 points, behind Alexander Pogorelov of Russia (16.53).

The high jump and 400 meters will be run later Thursday. The final five events are scheduled for Friday.

Former world champion Tom Pappas was forced to withdraw. He suffered a foot injury during 100-meter dash.

Clay, who now lives in Glendora, Calif., was the decathlon silver medalist in 2004.