The first combined event for women was the Pentathlon, first held in Germany in 1928. This comprised shot, long jump, 100m, high jump and javelin events held over two days and was judged using a German Scoring Table.These tables were modified in 1933, 1954 and 1971.

The Pentathlon, by then consisting of 80m hurdles, shot, high jump, long jump and 200m, was added to the Olympic Games in 1964.

In 1977 the 200m was replaced by the 800m and from 1981 the IAAF brought in the seven-event Heptathlon in place of the Pentathlon. First day: 100m hurdles, shot, high jump, 200m; second day: long jump, javelin and 800m. The event made its first Olympic appearance in 1984.