Athletics

Beijing National Stadium
Beijing, China

Athletics were part of the first modern Olympics summer games in 1896

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Olympic Athletics

Men compete in 24 and women compete in 23 track and field events, as well as combined event competitions and road events. Women do not compete in the 50 Km race walk. Men run the 110 m Hurdles - women run the 100 m Hurdles. Men compete in the Decathlon - women compete in the Heptathlon.

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Discipline's origin

Athletics, or track and field, is the original Olympic sport. The first event contested in the ancient Olympics was the stade race, a sprint of about 192 metres. Recorded victors in this event are known as far back as 776 BC. Other athletics events in the ancient Olympics included longer foot races, a race in armour, and a pentathlon event that consisted of the stade race, long jump, discus throw, javelin throw and wrestling. Similar events were held in ancient Greece at the Isthmian, Nemean and Pythian Games.

Throughout recorded sports history, athletics has always been practised. Many of the attempted revivals of the Olympics in the 19th century consisted mostly of athletics contests. In Europe, local fairs and festivals often included running, jumping and throwing events. In Ireland and Scotland, these developed into organised sets of Tailteann and Highland Games, respectively.

Athletic Equipment

Bar

The crosspiece of wood, metal or plastic which high jumpers and pole-vaulters must clear.

Baton

A smooth, hollow metal or wooden tube which is passed from one relay runner to the next.

Box

The contoured dugout in which pole-vaulters place their pole to jump over the bar.

Circle

The round area within which shot-putters, discus and hammer throwers must stay when throwing their respective projectiles.

Running shoes (100M)

Special shoes with no heels are used which have 11 crampons which cannot be longer than 9mm in length.

Running shoes (Marathon)

Light running shoes are used, thus reducing the strain on the athlete.

Running shoes (Walking)

The shoes are light with thin soles which make walking easier.

Running shoes (Steeplechase)

Crampons in the front of the shoes are shorter making it easier to clear the steeples. Reinforced heels are used to soften the impact of the landing.

Discus

A wooden plate rimmed with metal, thrown by athletes aiming for the greatest distance.

Hurdles

The obstacles which contestants must leap over in a hurdles race.

Javelin

A metal or wooden shaft with a metal point, similar to a spear, thrown for distance.

Hammer

A heavy metal ball attached to a wire cable which is attached to a handle, used for the hammer throw.

Shot

A heavy metal ball used in the shot put.