In track and field, a sport featuring more than 18 distinct events, mastering even one is a challenge. Most athletes focus on a single group of events: jumping, sprinting, distance running, throwing or pole vaulting. Nevertheless, Naperville Central junior Ben Blank stands out for his exceptional ability across multiple events, showcasing versatility that sets him apart.
Blank aims to be a decathlete, an athlete who competes across all five groups of the sport in 10 events. His versatility is evident in Central’s track records: he’s eighth in triple jump, second in both shot put and discus and 10th in high jump and long jump.
Blank has also shown superlative ability with a sub-5:30 mile and a sub-55-second 400 meters; Additionally, he’s cleared 13 feet in the pole vault, marks that are all considered impressive.
Blank has been intrigued with track and its various opportunities since starting in the seventh grade. Despite the thrill of starting something new, it came with multiple challenges.
“It was definitely a process [starting],” Blank said. “However, I really [enjoyed] the challenge of the different events and seeing how they improve my other events.”
Blank’s versatility makes him a key contributor at meets, regularly scoring across multiple events. At the 2025 Outdoor DVC Championship, Blank accounted for 30 of Central’s 176.5 points, helping secure the first conference title since 2019. According to junior captain and high jumper Vince Barcelona, Blank’s impact extends beyond the points he earns.
“[He’s] an extremely versatile and adaptable athlete,” Barcelona said. “[More than that], he sets the tone [and] a fast pace. Being there for all his teammates and leading them [also] makes him [valuable].”
Blank’s drive has a way of shaping the team’s motivation. Barcelona states that Blank encourages teammates to improve, balancing support with a drive to help others improve.
“To just be able to have so many great people around me is a blessing,” Blank said. “It’s easy to get down on yourself but it’s important [to relax].”
But his sustained excellence across events isn’t effortless. The physical and mental strain of constant competition and training, especially for contrasting events, can become daunting.
Moments of exhaustion, frustration and mental blocks are an unavoidable part of the process. Yet during those periods, the people around him help maintain perspective and stability, and Blank credits them for his performance.
“[My family and team] are always there for me,” Blank said. “They’re always patient and they understand that I’m exhausted a lot of the time. [My coaches] work with me and throughout the week they have inputs based on how my body’s feeling.”
Blank’s ability to manage adversity has become one of his defining strengths. Competing across multiple events requires more than physical preparation; it demands discipline, recovery and constant adjustment.
“The biggest challenge has been trying to get good sleep and stay healthy [with training],” Blank said. “I’ve always tried to [bring] more mental [focus] into training to [help with] challenges. I reevaluate my form and change patterns, because sometimes we get stuck in patterns, and that’s when we can’t grow.”
Blank’s mindset explains his consistency. Despite the demands of competing, Blank maintains a steady approach rooted in confidence and gradual long-term growth.
“I really enjoy [doing track], so it’s not too hard to stay motivated,” Blank said. “I know they want to put me in [events], so I remain confident and keep working. It’s important to be your best self and always be better than who you were.”