More Athletics news

“To Inspire Others”: Sha’Carri Richardson Joins US Athletes, Shedding Light on Representation Amid Black History Month

Sha'Carri Richardson shares a unique take on representation along with several US athletes to inspire aspiring sportspersons.

Ankit Singh

February 27, 2024

World Athletics Championships. Budapest 2023.

How Much Will Noah Lyles’ New Contract Have to Be to Surpass Usain Bolt?

The new Noah Lyles contract claims to have surpassed that of Usain Bolt. But what should its monetary value be to beat the fastest man alive?

Ankit Singh

February 27, 2024

Ukraine’s Sports Community Devastated, 422 Athletes Killed in Invasion

The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has claimed a number of lives and amongst them are several notable Ukrainian athletes.

Allen James

February 25, 2024

Ukraine

Kenyan Running Icon With Four World Records Passes Away at 72

Legendary Kenyan running figure passed away after battling an illness for over 10 days in the hospital, leaving behind a massive legacy.

Allen James

February 25, 2024

Henry Rono

Sha’Carri Richardson Has a Message for American Record Holder Ahead of World Indoor Championships

American sprinting superstar Sha'Carri Richardson sent warm birthday wishes to her LSU senior while appreciating her as a role model.

Ankit Singh

February 25, 2024

World Athletics Championships. Budapest 2023.

“My Family Members Didn’t Support Me”: Olympic Chasing Break Dancer Reveals Unheard Part of Life

Looking ahead to the 2024 Paris Olympics, the WDSF World Breaking Champion recalls his obsession with breakdancing and the struggles behind it.

Nandini Makkar

February 24, 2024

Olympics

USATF Includes NCAA Star in World Athletics Indoor Championship Roster After He Almost Surpasses Yared Nuguse

An NCAA star makes it to the USATF squad for the upcoming 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championship after nearly defeating Yared Nuguse.

Ankit Singh

February 23, 2024

Olin Hacker and Yared Nuguse, US runners, Source – Insta

Noah Lyles Leads Glasgow Squad as USATF Unveils Roster to Take On World Athletics Indoor Championship

After two successful rounds of indoor contests, USATF announces its contenders for the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championship, Glasgow.

Ankit Singh

February 23, 2024

Noah Lyles5

USA’s Track and Field Olympic Champion Celebrates Rare Achievement Amid Black History Month

American track and field veteran and Olympic gold medalist stands proud with a rare achievement as she celebrates Black History Month.

Ankit Singh

February 20, 2024

Carmelita Jeter, US Sprinter, Source – Insta

Tributes Pour in as Former University of Michigan Athletic Director Passes Away at 99

Students and staff from University of Michigan woke up to the tragic news of passing away of a great figure in their history.

Allen James

February 18, 2024

1

“I Have Waited”: Noah Lyles Gets Emotional As He Reflects on 8-Year Journey After His 2024 USATF Indoor Championship Win

Noah Lyles gets teary-eyed after landing a big win at the USATF Indoor Championship, recalls the 8-year journey that got him to this point.

Ankit Singh

February 18, 2024

Noah Lyles

Olivia Dunne Steps Up Taking Teammate’s ‘Anchor Spot’ in LSU vs. Auburn Meet

At the LSU vs. Auburn meet, Olivia Dunne assumes her teammate's coveted anchor spot, signaling a strategic shift in the team's lineup.

Yashika Dutta

February 17, 2024

Olivia Dunnes (1)

Mondo Duplantis’ Olympic Rival Ramps Up Paris 2024 Preps With USATF World Indoor Gold

The 2024 USATF Indoor Championship witnesses a stellar win secured by the silver medalist of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

Ankit Singh

February 17, 2024

Chris Nilsen, US Pole Vaulter, Source – Insta

USATF Indoor Championships: Days After Tying World Lead, American Athlete Once Again Makes USA Proud

A US Olympian clinches the men's high jump gold medal at the 2024 USATF Indoor Championship by replicating world lead performance.

Ankit Singh

February 16, 2024

Shelby McEwen, USA High Jump, Source – Insta

12th Annual Jen Ken Festival Gathers Over 1000 Running Participants Alongside Breast Cancer Survivors

Over a thousand people are set to partake in the running event with cancer survivors in a symbol of great support at the Jen Ken Festival.

Allen James

February 16, 2024

NYC Marathon 1

‘Excited’ Olivia Dunne Adds America’s Most Recognized Brand to Her Partnership Roster

Olivia Dunne, brimming with excitement, announces her latest partnership with one of America's most iconic brands.

Yashika Dutta

February 16, 2024

Olivia Dunne

“I Blacked Out”: 3x Track and Field Paralympic Champion Unveils Lesser-Known Story During World Record Sprint

A 3x US track and field Paralympic champ confesses the behind the scenes tale of his Tokyo Olympics run that earned him a world record.

Ankit Singh

February 15, 2024

Nick Mayhugh

Kelvin Kiptum Death: ‘Crushed’ Wife Expresses Grief With a Sorrowful Statement “Don’t Know What I Would..”

The untimely and tragic demise of Kelvin Kiptum has left his family devastated as they lost an only child and a loving father and husband.

Ankit Singh

February 13, 2024

Kelvin Kiptum family, Kenyan Marathoner, Source – X

Christian Coleman ‘Fired Up’ For Noah Lyles Matchup At USATF Indoor Championship

The American arch-nemesis of Noah Lyles has set his scope on him once again as the duo will face each other at the US Indoor Championship.

Ankit Singh

February 13, 2024

Christian Coleman

Kelvin Kiptum Death: Disheartened Noah Lyles Pens Desolate Message Alongside Exclusive Picture

6x World Champ Noah Lyles offers his condolences and expresses sorrow over the untimely demise of Marathon Champ Kelvin Kiptum.

Ankit Singh

February 13, 2024

Day 5 – World Athletics Championships Budapest 2023

Millrose Games: Running Helped This ‘Once’ Pregnant American Olympian Silence Haters

US distance running Olympian replies to the critics with a massive win at the 2024 Millrose Games after receiving shade for her pregnancy.

Ankit Singh

February 12, 2024

Elle Purrier St. Pierre, US Track and Field, Source – Insta

Sha’Carri Richardson: Did She Attend Milrose Games to Cheer Rumored Boyfriend Christian Coleman?

Why was Sha'Carri Richardson present at the Millrose Games when she wasn't participating? Was she there or rumored BF Christian Coleman?

Ankit Singh

February 12, 2024

Sha?Carri Richardson and Christian Coleman

Glory Smile for Yared Nuguse as He Defends His Millrose Games Title With Gold

US runner Yared Nuguse has delivered once again as he almost shatters the world record while retaining his Millrose Games Wannamaker gold.

Ankit Singh

February 11, 2024

Yared Nuguse, US runner, Source – Insta

Millrose Games: 30YO Scottish Destroys US Record Holder on Home Soil

An American women's distance runner finished the 2 mile race at the Millrose Games 2024 with a national record, but in a losing effort.

Ankit Singh

February 11, 2024

Alicia Monson, US distance runner, Source – X

Noah Lyles’ ‘Three-Peat’ Throne in Danger as Christian Coleman Levels Score at Millrose Games

Christian Coleman aces the Millrose Games once again in 2024 and throws a direct threat at the threepeater tag held by Noah Lyles.

Ankit Singh

February 11, 2024

Christian Coleman

Millrose Games: 22YO Bahamas Athlete Destroys US Champion to Register New World Record

A young 22-year-old shatters the world record to defeat the Americans at home soil at the 116th Millrose Games at The Armory.

Ankit Singh

February 11, 2024

Devynne Charlton, Bahamas Hurdler
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Athletics or track and field events is a group of events that involves running, jumping, throwing, and walking. It is one of the oldest forms of organized sport. Likewise, many athletes take part in the event and it is the most common sport in the world. Track and field competitions are famous around the world as it is a major part of the Olympics. Different athletes have graced their presence in the grandest sporting competition of all. Like the Olympics, there are different competitions held across the world- European, Commonwealth, African, Pan-American, and Asian. Other than that, the World Championships is the major competition after the Olympics. There are many events for both men and women to compete at the highest level. The IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federations sets the rules) as they check the world records too.

via Getty

History of Athletics

The sport of athletics is one of the oldest competitions in the world. Many civilizations encouraged athletes to compete against each other. The Olympic Games of Greece date back to 776 BC. After all the history, the competitions evolved only in the 19th century. Although many nations formed their own athletics clubs, it came into worldwide reach with the return of the Olympic Games in 1896. The sport spread to all corners of the world and there was a rapid interest in the events that happened.

They found the IAAF in 1912 and had almost 170 national members by 1987. Different nations have unique ways of calling out athletics. In fact, the USA prefers to address it as track and field events.

Events

The unique events in athletics are incredible. There are different events that come into the limelight. It is classified as running, jumping, throwing, multiple events, walking events, and marathon.

Here is the list of events that athletes take part in:

Running:

  • Sprints- 100m, 200m, 400m
  • Middle-distance- 800m, 1500m
  • Long-distance- 3000m Steeplechase, 5000m, 10,000m
  • Hurdles- 110/100m, 400m
  • Relays- 4x100m, 4x400m, mixed 4x400m

via Reuters

Jumping:
  • Long Jump
  • High Jump
  • Triple Jump
  • Pole Vault
Throwing:
  • Discuss
  • Shot Put
  • Javelin
  • Hammer Throw
Multiple Events

They hold these competitions with different events that determine the winner. Adding up points to each winner, the event ends with the number one ranked athlete, racking up the most points.

  • Decathlon includes 10 events: First day- 100m, long jump, shot put, high jump, 400m. Second day- 110m hurdles, discus throw, pole vault, javelin, 1500m.
  • Heptathlon- This competition includes seven events: First day- 100m hurdles, high jump, shot put, and 200m. Second day events-long jump, javelin, and 800m.

Walking

There are two types of competitions. Race walking and walking events. For the men's division, there are two events- 20km and 50km. Women only compete in 20km events.

Marathon

After walking, it is the marathon. These are long-distance competitions and stretch for around 42 km.

Greatest track and field athletes

There are many athletes who have graced the track and field competitions with their passion and dominance. Some are legendary sprinters while others jumped their way to glory. Here are some of the greatest athletes of all time.

  • Usain Bolt: The fastest man alive and arguably one of the greatest Olympians of all time. He won the 100m and 200m competitions for three consecutive Olympic Games. Current world record holder of 100 and 200m.
  • Carl Lewis:?Considered being the World Athlete of the century by IAAF. He has 18 World Championships and Olympic Medals. He won the long jump event for four consecutive Olympics.
  • Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce:?She is arguably the greatest sprinter of all time. She has eight Olympic medals to her name with two gold in the 100-meters event.
  • Allyson Felix:?With 11 Olympic medals, she is the most decorated female track athlete of all time. She took part in five Olympic Games.
  • Paavo Nurmi:?He is the most dominant athlete of all time. Transition well from 1500m to the marathon, he remains undefeated in the 10000m race.
  • Edwin Moses: For exactly 9 years, Moses went undefeated in the 400m hurdles. He won 122 consecutive races.
  • Sergey Bubka: He is the greatest pole vaulter of all time. He broke his own pole vault record 35 times.
  • Florence Griffith-Joyner:?The current 100m and 200m world record holder for women. Her personality and charisma are often unmatched by any athlete.
  • Michael Johnson:?Before Usain Bolt, he dominated the track and field competitions. He won 12 Olympic and World Championships gold medas.