Pau Tonnesen 22nd After Day 1 in Rio

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil – Pau Tonnesen, the former Mesa track and field great, began his Olympic decathlon experience Wednesday.  

After the first day of competition he was in 22nd place out of 32 with a total of 3,984 points. Some of his best events will be held on day two.  

In his first event, the 100 meters, Tonnesen placed eighth in Heat 1 with a time of 11.32 which earned him 791 points. The time was his best of the season.  

In the shot put he was tenth of 15 athletes in Group B. He fouled on two of his three throws and recorded a 13.69 meters on the other, roughly 45 feet, 11 inches. That was worth 709 points.  

Then, in the long jump, his best effort was 7.33 meters, approximately 24'-½". For that he received 863.  

In the fourth event of the day, the high jump, he cleared 2.10 meters, equivalent to about 6'7". It equaled the 11 th best jump of the competition and earned him 813 more points.  

In the final event of the day, the 400 meters, Tonnesen placed fifth of six runners in the first heat.  

For his time of 50.81 he collected 778 points.  

The second day of competition begins Thursday at 5:30 a.m. Rio time with the 110-meter hurdles.  

Tonnesen's best event, the pole vault, will be the third of the day.