Scott Gullan in Tokyo
Australia's Ash Moloney has slipped from the silver medal position to bronze after the penultimate event in the decathlon.
The 21-year-old Queenslander had been sitting in second place behind Canadian Damian Warner after eight of the 10 events but lost significant ground on the javelin throw.
Moloney could only manage a throw of 57.12m and was overtaken by France's world record holder Kevin Mayer who launched the javelin a stunning 73.09.
The final event is the 1500m with Moloney now 102 points behind Mayer but he still has a handy gap to fourth with American Garrett Scantling 62 points behind him.
Australia has never won a medal in the men's decathlon.
AUSSIE PAIR THROUGH TO 1500M FINAL – Brianna Travers in Tokyo
STEWART MCSWEYN
Australian 1500m finalist Stewart McSweyn said he said he was confident with his tactics in the first two rounds but he would change it up for the final.
"I won't want to go to the front as early, I'm happy following the guys," he said.
"It's a good tactic in the first two rounds but in the final time doesn't matter – it's about competing.
"Hoping I can cling on the back of (Timothy) Cheruiyot and be right there on the bell.
"Strange things can happen in an Olympics so if I'm there in the mix, anything could happen."
McSweyn said he did "a lot of the work" in Thursday's semi-final.
"There is a lot of good 800m guys in that semi, I didn't want to leave it," he said.
"I thought I could string them out a bit.
"I knew I was in the top seven, the main thing was getting through, they don't hand out medals in the semi.
"I'm confident I can bring it in the final, hopefully I won't have to do so much at the front, that will make it a little easier. I'm riding the momentum now and I think I can compete with the top guys come two night's time."
McSweyen said teammate Peter Bol's effort in the 800m was inspiring to watch.
"That was amazing, Peter is a class act on the track but an even better guy off it," he said.
"We always knew he had the ability, I get a buzz other Aussies take it to the world."
OLIVER HOARE
Australian 1500m runner Oliver Hoare says he was "feeling good" after qualifying for the men's 1500m final.
"I've never made an Australian team in my life, as a junior, a senior and now it's the Tokyo Olympics," he said after his semi-final.
"Expectations are high, we've had a terrific track and field Olympics so far.
“I know Stewart (McSweyn) and I have tried our best to make the final. To tick one of those boxes at my debut Olympics is something I should be really proud of. There’s a little work to do but I am really happy with where I am and I’m excited for the final."
Hoare, 24, said he was happy to make the final after finishing in fourth place in his semi.
"Tactically I didn't run too well, I knew (Tim) Cheruiyot was looking for a fast race and he certainly did that," he said.
"I wanted to be patient and not panic. There was a lot of movement in the last lap, trying to make sure I stayed clear of it and trust my strength and speed for that last 100m. We've got stuff to learn on and that's fantastic."
Hoare said Australian teammate Stewart McSweyn had pushed him to be a better athlete.
"He has inspired me and a lot of other athletes," he said of McSweyn.
"It's a testament to himself. He deserves every credit, if not more more, people should be talking about him more."
