Athletics (sport)

Overview

Athletics is a collection of sporting events that involves competitive running, jumping, throwing, and walking. The most common types of athletics competitions are track and field events, road running, cross country running, and racewalking. The simplicity of the competitions, and the lack of a need for expensive equipment, makes athletics one of the most commonly competed sports in the world.

Athletes participating in a track and field event

History

Athletics has a very long history, dating back to the ancient Olympic Games in Greece in 776 BC. The original events included running, long jump, shot put, javelin, boxing, pankration (a form of wrestling) and equestrian events. The modern format of athletics, in which a variety of running, jumping, and throwing events are combined in a single meeting, dates from the 19th century, and was popularized in the United States and Europe.

Types of Events

Athletics events can be broadly divided into three types: track and field events, road running events, and racewalking events.

Track and Field Events

Track and field events are the most well-known form of athletics, and combine an array of running, jumping and throwing events. The running events are categorized as sprints, middle and long-distance events, relays, and hurdling. Regular jumping events include long jump, triple jump, high jump and pole vault, while the most common throwing events are shot put, javelin, discus and hammer.

Road Running Events

Road running events are running events that are longer than track events, and are usually contested on open roads. The most common distances are 5K, 10K, half marathon, and marathon. Road running has become a popular sport for millions of people around the world, with many races attracting thousands of participants and spectators.

Racewalking Events

Racewalking is a form of competitive walking that usually takes place on open-air roads, although running tracks are also occasionally used. Racewalking is the only sport in athletics in which judges monitor athletes on their technique. Racewalkers must always have a foot in contact with the ground and their advancing leg must be straightened, not bent at the knee.

Training and Techniques

Training for athletics events requires a combination of strength, speed, endurance, and flexibility. Athletes train for specific events in their discipline, and each event requires a different type of training. For example, sprinters focus on improving their speed and agility, while long-distance runners focus on improving their endurance and stamina.

Major Competitions

There are several major athletics competitions that take place around the world. The most prestigious track and field competitions are the Olympic Games and the World Championships. The most prestigious road running events are the World Marathon Majors, a series that includes six of the most famous marathons in the world: Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, New York City, and Tokyo.