Beijing, China (Sports Network) - Bryan Clay of the United States claimed the title of World's Greatest Athlete by winning gold in the men's decathlon Friday at the Beijing Olympics.

Clay, the silver medalist four years ago at the Athens Games, finished with 8,791 points to defeat Andrei Krauchanka of Belarus by 240 points. Cuba's Leonel Suarez took the bronze with a total of 8,527 points.

Clay went wire-to-wire as the leader, placing first in the 100 meters and long jump, Thursday's opening two events, and holding onto the top spot straight through Friday's 10th and final competition, the 1,500 meters.

The Austin, Texas born and Hawaii-raised Clay became the first American to be crowned Olympic champion in the decathlon since Dan O'Brien won gold at the 1996 Atlanta Games.

Read more news and features about Bryan on his website at www.BryanClay.com

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