Latest TRACK AND FIELD News

Latest TRACK AND FIELD News

More TRACK AND FIELD News

Usain Bolt Frustrated with Fans Over $12 Million Investment Fraud as Jamaican Legend Makes Harsh Claim

Usain Bolt hits back at fans over the $12 million fraud case, calling out those questioning his plight. Here’s what’s unfolding.
Usain Bolt

Track and Field Fans Expose Letsile Tebogo’s “Egotistical” Side As Noah Lyles’ Rival Set for Major Comeback

Letsile Tebogo is about to start the 2025 season, but fans recalled the moments that sparked some serious debate about his victory dance.
Letsile Tebogo Noah Lyles

Track and Field Expert Makes Bold Jakob Ingebrigtsen Prediction as Rivals Pose Major Threat to World Record Dreams

Track and field experts predict Jakob Ingebrigtsen's challenges at the World Championships in Tokyo, with rising competition.
FILE PHOTO: Diamond League – Memorial van Damme

Yared Nuguse Given No Chance Despite World Record as Former USA Star Makes Bold Prediction

Despite smashing the indoor mile world record, Yared Nuguse is still being overlooked as the top 1500m contender.
Yared Nuguse

Junelle Bromfield Drops Major Hint Over Future Plans With Noah Lyles Following Special Surprise

Junelle Bromfield just set the rumor mill spinning after dropping a major hint about her future with Noah Lyles.
Noah Lyles and Junelle Bromfield

Usain Bolt Getting a Brutal Reality Check Early in Career Unearthed as the Fastest Man Fights for Hard Earned $12.8 Million Retirement Fund

Look how a scandal is a stark reminder that even legends like Usain Bolt aren’t immune to real-world problems.
usain bolt

24-Year-Old Olympic Gold Medalist Goes Against Noah Lyles’ Opinion After Major Life Update

An Olympics star has proven Noah Lyles' opinion wrong. She is celebrating a massive personal win, serving as an exemption!
Noah Lyles, silhouette

Usain Bolt Clears Air on Baby Rumors Amidst Final Verdict on $12M Financial Scam

Usain Bolt isn’t just the fastest man alive on the track, but he’s also quick to shut down baseless rumors that try to derail his name.
Athletics – Olympics: Day 14

Nike Sends Out a Strong Message to Sha’Carri Richardson & Jordan Chiles’ Fans After Superbowl Ad

Jordan Chiles fans, Nike has a special surprise for you! They aired a new move and it's ticking all the right boxes for women's sports.
Sha’Carri Richardson, Jordan Chiles

Track and Field Legend Hospitalized Sparking Concern Among Fans: “Fighting for Life”

Discover Olympian Rosa Mota's inspiring journey, heartfelt messages from supporters, and the latest health updates
track and field

Sha’Carri Richardson Makes Feelings Clear About Christian Coleman After Superbowl Weekend

It's official! Sha'Carri Richardson is openly confessing her love for Christian Coleman and love is in the air.
sha’carri richardson christian coleman

World Record Holder Yared Nuguse Makes Stance Clear on Competing Shorter Distance at Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track League

World record breaker Yared Nuguse wants to push his comfort zone by performing in short distance races at Grand Slam track
Yared Nuguse

Usain Bolt Sends Strong Message to Track and Field Community as $12.8 Million Mystery Remains Unresolved

Usain Bolt breaks his silence on the $12.8 million fraud scandal at SSL, revealing his frustration at Jamaica's financial system.
August 6th 2017 London Stadium East London England IAAF World Championships Day 3 Usain Bolt o

Skiing Community Saddened As Mikaela Shiffrin Makes Heartbreaking Mental Health Confession: “Praying for You”

Mikaela Shiffrin's got the best fans! Despite her crushing update, they are chiming in with prayers for the alpine skier.
Mikaela Shiffrin

Michael Johnson Shuts Grand Slam Track’s Door for Noah Lyles and Sha’Carri Richardson with Bold Claim

Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track reshapes the sport with a bold vision and top athletes and made a bold statement for Sha'Carri Richardson
Sha’Carri Richardson and Noah Lyles

Frustrated Over Olympics Drama Fans Rally Behind Sha’Carri Richardson’s Jamaican Rival Post Latest Update

Shericka Jackson is back, and track fans are already buzzing about what this means for her rivalry with Sha’Carri Richardson.
Sha’Carri Richardson Twitter

American Track and Field Legend Gives Brutal Reality Check to Tyreek Hill Amidst Noah Lyles Feud

CEO of Grand Slam Track throw an idea of a race between Tyreek Hill and Noah Lyles! He even hinted it could happen but with ' Biggg BUT.'
Noah Lyles and Tyreek Hill

Michael Johnson Shuts Down Noah Lyles’ Claims as Track and Field Legend Gets Brutally Honest About Grand Slam Track Appearance

Michael Johnson dismisses Noah Lyles' claims, offering a brutally honest take on the Grand Slam track event appearance.
Noah Lyles (2)

“Nobody Cares”: Christian Coleman Drops Bold Message for Sha’Carri Richardson After Massive Jordan Chiles & Caitlyn Clark Superbowl Colab

Christian Coleman delivers a bold message to Sha'Carri Richardson following Jordan Chiles and Caitlyn Clark's major Super Bowl collaboration.
Olympic Games, Olympische Spiele, Olympia, OS Paris 2024, Olympische Spiele 2024, 26.07-10.08.2024 , Leichtathletik, Tra

US Track & Field Star Responds to Donald Trump’s Order Barring Trans Athletes in Women’s Sports

As the debate over transgender athletes in sports intensifies, U.S. track and field star is speaking out against the executive order.
Nikki Hiltz Instagram

Sha’Carri Richardson Confirms Relationship With Christian Coleman as Heartfelt Photos Emerge During Breakup Buzz

Sha’Carri Richardson just added one more Instagram post amid all the breakup buzz with Christian Coleman to shatter gossip
Sha’carri richardson and Christian coleman

Billions in Ruins, Nike Turns to Sha’Carri Richardson & Co for a Revenue Jump 27 Years After Super Bowl Ad

Sha'Carri Richardson and many other sports stars join Nike as the sportswear brand jumps into the Super Bowl fun after two decades of gap.
Sha’Carri Richardson

Sha’Carri Richardson Earns Support Amidst Criticism After Track and Field Star Puts YouTuber in Place

Sha’Carri Richardson challenges Speed to train like a pro before racing, earning praise for defending track’s discipline.
Sha’Carri Richardson

American Track and Field Legend Stands Behind Quincy Wilson Despite Disastrous Performance at Milrose Games

Quincy Wilson’s remarkable journey continues, with support from track legends despite a tough performance at the Millrose Games
Quincy Wilson

Olympic Champion Reveals Emotional Frustration After Losing to American Track and Field Rival Rival Despite World Record Run

Despite facing a bitter defeat at the Millrose games, Olympic Champion gets ready to claim back his winning ways in the upcoming 800 meters
Cole Hocker

Put in Dirt by Noah Lyles 36M YouTuber Backed by Sha’Carri Richardson Over Olympics Dream

After getting dusted by Noah Lyles, Speed set his sights on Sha’Carri Richardson for redemption. But she shut him down just as fast.
Sha’Carri Richardson and Noah Lyles

About TRACK AND FIELD

Speed. Technique. Thrill. Track and Field is a sport that incorporates all this and more. Races so electrifying that they bring the house down, speeds so blazing that you might miss them in the blink of an eye, and rivalries so intense that there is a constant tussle for dominance. Well, the recently concluded 2024 Paris Olympics provided a hearty dose of track action. And now, the ongoing Diamond League circuit is ensuring that track fans continue to be on the edge of their seats. But, do you know what the initial days of this fascinating sport looked like?

Track and Field: History and evolution of the sport

On the marks, set, go. If only the evolution of track and field were so easy. Instead, it was something that gradually happened over years of evolution.

Ancient- One of the oldest sports to have existed, the cornerstone of track and field was laid by the Greeks, where men would exhibit their athletic talents as part of celebratory events. Initially limited to foot races, stadion and diaulos were the competitions that comprised the crux of the sport, which has been around since the first Olympics in Ancient Greece, dating back to 776 B.C. Although the Romans continued the games till 394 A.D., when it was banned, the sport saw a resurgence after the decline of the Roman empire. Tracing back to the 16th and 17th centuries, foot races had become a regular sight in Europe.

Modern- The 1860s predominantly saw the wave of transformation, wherein the first championships featuring amateur men were held in England. Athletic clubs and organizations sprung up across Europe and the United States, with the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) coming into being in 1887.

Olympic age- 1896, was when the first Modern Olympic Games were flagged off in Athens, which included track and field in the sports that debuted.

20th century- With athletes flocking from across the world to exhibit their athletic talent, track and field's stature elevated substantially. Technical developments fostered improvements in training and diet, and the track saw the likes of legends like Jesse Owens, Usain Bolt, Flo-Jo, etc coming out at the top.

What are the major events in track and field?

Track and field is a sport that covers a plethora of events under its banner. Speaking of the Olympics in particular, it features 48 events, 24 men's events and 24 women's. Care to know what they are?

Track DisciplineEvents
Sprint100m, 200m, 400m
Middle-distance/Long-distance800m, 1500m, 5000m, 10000m, 3000m steeplechase
Hurdles100m hurdles, 110m hurdles, 400m hurdles
Road RunningHalf marathon, marathon
Race Walks20k race walk, 35k race walk
Relays4x100 relay, 4x400 relay, 4x400 relay mixed
Field DisciplineEvents
JumpsHigh jump, pole vault, long jump, triple jump
ThrowsShot put, discus throw, hammer throw, javelin throw
Combined EventsHeptathlon, Decathlon
Cross Country
Mountain Running
Ultra Running
Trail Running

What are the rules and regulations of track and field in major competitions like the Olympics?

Sprinting Rules

  • Most of the sprinting events from 100m to 5000m conduct qualifying rounds before the finals. Usually heats, semifinals, and then the finals. The top three on the finals scoreboard take home gold, silver, and bronze.
  • Sprints, hurdles, and relay races feature starting blocks, followed by the firing of a pistol to commence the race. If a runner starts before the fire, it's called a 'false start.' This will lead to disqualification.
  • 100m sprints and 110m/100m hurdles comprise starts where racers are all in one line. Whereas, in the 200m, 400m, 400m hurdles, 4x100m relay, and 400m relay categories, they are placed in staggered positions.
  • Running outside the allocated lanes would also lead to disqualification. If an athlete is forced to cross the lane by another one so that there is no material advantage, they will not be disqualified. The same for a person who strays out or crosses the line, and in doing so, they do not get an advantage, there will be no disqualification.
  • The athlete whose torso crosses the vertical finish line plane will be declared the winner.
Relay Rules
  • For any of the relays, baton handover must not happen beyond the 20m changeover box. If yes, then this would amount to disqualification.
  • The baton should not fall or touch the ground in any way.
Middle Distance Rules
  • There are no starting blocks in these races. Also, athletes line up in an upright position. In 800m, the 8 runners will stand in staggered positions before the start. Through the first turn, they have to stay in their respective lanes, but can then break to the inside. If done very early, then can lead to disqualification.
  • 1500m and the steeplechase have group starts, and no fixed lanes are allocated.
  • In steeplechase, if an athlete steps aside during a barrier, they will be disqualified. They can jump above them in any way, but no part of the foot or leg should be below the horizontal plane of the upper bar while they are attempting to clear it.
Long Distance Rules
  • The 10,000m, marathon, race walk, decathlon, and heptathlon are events that directly conduct finals with no qualifying rounds.
  • The starts happen in an upright position and involve no touching of the ground.
  • Usually, these feature mass starts. However given the possibility that there are more than 12 runners in the race, they are divided into staggered groups. The first one will have 65 percent of the athletes that usually appear on a start line.
  • There are no lane assignments. Track athletes can break for positions right after the commencement.
Race Walking Rules
  • The walker must be in contact with the ground continuously. Even the advancing leg should be straight from the instance when it comes in contact with the ground till it goes into the upright position.
  • There are anything between six and nine judges in the event. And they are free to issue warnings upon violations like leg contact or perhaps a bent knee.
  • If participating athletes get warnings from 3 different judges, they get disqualified. Also, if an official medical officer asks them to retire from the race, the competitors must leave.
Jumping Rules
  • High jump- The jump-off must happen from one foot. And given that the athlete makes contact with the crossbar and falls off the supports, it will be counted as a failed attempt. Also, athletes will be given 3 attempts for a particular height. The option to pass a certain height and try for the next is also available. But, if there are 2 failed attempts at a single height, and the athlete skips that to move on to the next, the next should be cleared on the first try.
  • Pole Vault- Participants can use a substance either on their hands or the pole to facilitate a better grip. But, tape on fingers or hands is prohibited, unless there is an open wound. Athletes are also allowed to use their poles, of any material, length, or diameter. If they break, the participants still get another go at it. However, there are three criteria for disqualification. First is when the vaulter makes the crossbar fall by touch. Second is when they move their lower hand above their upper one or their upper hand higher on the pole after leaving the ground. And third, if they steady or replace the bar while conducting the vault.
  • Long Jump- The measurement for the jumps is calculated from the takeoff line to the closest break in the landing area, done by any part of the participant's body. Failed attempts happen on exceeding the takeoff line while jumping, or on taking off from outside either end of the take-off board. Or perhaps touching the ground outside the landing area closer to the take-off line, in comparison to the nearest break in the sand.
  • Triple Jump- There are three stages of a triple jump- a hop, a step, and a jump, all done in the said sequence. Hope and jump have to be made from the same foot used for take-off, while the step involves the other. Failed attempts have identical criteria to the long jump. However, there is one exception, and that is when an athlete makes contact with the ground with their sleeping leg during a jump, it isn't considered a failure.
Decathlon and Heptathlon Rules-
  • The decathlon and heptathlon events are conducted over two consecutive days.
  • In both these events, 3 attempts in the long jump, shot put, discus, and javelin throw are allowed. And a single false start in track events is allowed.
Throwing Rules-
  • Shot, discuss, and hammer throw are all done from within the demarcated throwing circles. While the javelin throw features a runway. Crossing either while a throwing attempt is made will count as a failed attempt.
  • Also, the athletes must not exit and stay in the throwing area until the javelin or the respective implement touches the ground. And for it to be considered a valid throw, they should land within the landing zone.
  • Gloves are only permitted in hammer throw, while any sort of tape is not allowed unless there is an open wound on the hands or the fingers.

via Getty

What are the major track and field championships?

Some of the pivotal athletic competitions include-

  • The Athletics World Championships (Once every 2 years)
  • Olympic Games (Once every 4 years)
  • Commonwealth Games (Once every 4 years)
  • World Indoor Championships (Once every 2 years)
  • World Diamond League Meetings (Every year)
  • World Athletics Relays (Biennial)
  • Marathon Majors (Every year)
  • World Athletics Cross Country Championships (Biennial)
  • New York Marathon (Every year)

Who are the greatest track and field stars of all time?

Here are some of the most decorated track and field athletes of all time:

NameCountryEventOlympic medalsPersonal best
Paavo NurmiFinlandMiddle and Long Distance Runner 12 medals- 9G, 3S10000m - 30:06.2h

3000m - 8:20.4h

5000m- 14:28.2h

Carl LewisUnited States

 

100m,200m, Long Jump, 4x100m relay10 medals- 9G, 1SLong Jump- 8.87

100m- 9.86

200m- 19.75

Usain BoltJamaica100m, 200m, 4x100m relay8 medals- 8G100m- 9.58 (WR, AR)

200m- 19.19 (WR, AR)

Jesse OwensUnited States100m, 200m, Long Jump, 4x100m relay4 medals- 4G100m- 10.2h

200m- 20.7h

4x100m relay- 39.8h

Long Jump- 8.13

Allyson FelixUnited States200m, 4x400m relay, 4x100m relay, 400m11 medals- 7G, 3S, 1B200m- 21.69

400m- 49.26

4x100m relay- 40.82

4x400m relay- 31.16.85

Florence Griffith JoynerUnited States100m, 200, 4x100m relay, 4x400m relay5 medals- 3G, 2S100m- 10.49

200m- 21.34

via Getty

 

Jackie Joyner-KerseeUnited StatesHeptathlon, Long Jump6 medals- 3G, 1S, 2BHeptathlon- 1331

Long Jump- 7.49

Bob BeamonUnited StatesLong Jump1 medal- 1GLong Jump- 8.90
Javie SotomayorCubaHigh Jump2 medals- 1G, 1SHigh Jump- 2.45 (WR)
Jan ZeleznyCzechiaJavelin Throw4 medals- 3G, 1SJavelin Throw- 98.48 (WR)
 

Haile Gebrselassie

EthiopiaLong Distance Runner2 medals- 2G10000m- 26:22.75

5000m- 12:39.36

AI OerterUnited StatesDiscus Throw4 medals- 4GDiscus Throw- 69.46
Sergey BubkaUkrainePole Vault1 medal- 1GPole Vault- 6.15