Ashton Eaton wins decathlon gold

United States decathlete Ashton Eaton has won gold this evening by coasting home in the final 1,500m race.

The 24-year-old racked up a total score of 8,869 points, 24 short of the Olympic record held by Roman Sebrle.

Fellow American Trey Hardee took silver by amassing 8,671 points, with Leonel Suarez of Cuba matching his bronze from Beijing four years ago with a strong finish in the javelin and 1,500m.

Hans van Alphen of Belgium won the second 1,500m heat by a significant distance but it wasn't enough for him to depose Suarez in third.