Culver-Stockton’s Straus qualifies to compete at Women’s Decathlon World Championships

CANTON, Mo. — Delaney Straus has earned the chance to claim the title of “world’s greatest athlete.”

The Culver-Stockton College junior and Marion County High School graduate has qualified to represent the United States at the second annual Women’s Decathlon World Championships, taking place Aug. 16-17 at SPIRE Academy in Geneva, Ohio.

The 2024 event was the first of its kind for women at the international level. Allison Halverson of Armenia won the event, followed by Roseva Bidois of France and Jordyn Bruce of the United States.

The 10 parts to the decathlon include four running events — the 100-meter dash, 400 dash, 1,500 run and 100 hurdles — and six field events — the high jump, pole vault, long jump, shot put, discus and javelin.

Straus is a two-time NAIA All-American in the heptathlon (seven events), finishing seventh in both 2024 and 2025. Additionally, Straus is the two-time defending Heart of America Athletic Conference champion and holds the school record in the event, which was compiled at the 2024 NAIA Outdoor Championships. Straus has also participated in the prestigious Drake Relays for the last two years, placing eighth overall in 2024 and 13th in 2025.  

In addition to the heptathlon, Straus holds five other school records in outdoor events, including the 100-meter hurdles, the 400 hurdles, the 800 run and the 1,500 run, as well as the long jump. She is currently second all-time at Culver-Stockton in the triple jump and the javelin throw.