Australia’s first Olympic decathlete in 16 years flies to Rio with his teddy

His name is Teddy, he's covered in fur and Rio is his first Olympics.

Teddy is travelling with decathlete Cedric Dubler and he helps make life more bearable in the athletes' village.

"Teddy Bear travels with me everywhere, he's been with me a number of years now," Dubler said on Wednesday.

"We've heard a lot of stuff about how the beds might not be ready, the village might not be ready, so I figured if I have the teddy I can sleep wherever and deal with it."

Dubler said Teddy would keep him grounded and comfortable as he chases a top eight finish as Australia's first decathlete since Sydney 2000.

He's not the only bear in the Australian athletics team - marathon runner Jessica Trengove brought Jabbie the bear to Rio.

"I got given this by my brother (AFL player Jack) and sister (rower Abbie) in 2011 and it's come on every overseas trip with me since," Trengove told reporters.

"He's getting a bit battered. (It's) just a bit of comfort, something familiar."