Ashton Eaton of the United States has put himself in prime position to claim the gold medal in the decathlon at the Olympic Games in London.

With five events down, the 24-year-old holds a lead of 220 points from nearest rival and compatriot Trey Hardee.

In the final discipline of the evening, the 800m, Eaton recorded the quickest time of the field when he crossed the line in 46.90 seconds.

Eaton currently has total of 4,661 points in the overall standings, while Hardee in second has 4,441.

Canadian Damian Warner is third with 4,386 points to his name.