Latest TRACK AND FIELD News

Latest TRACK AND FIELD News

More TRACK AND FIELD News

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce Confronts Quiet Collapse Behind Paris Olympics Absence: ‘Ripped Out of My Hands’

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, experienced severe physical distress and panic during training at the Paris 2024 Olympics
World Athletics Championships Budapest 23; Hungary, 26.08.2023 Shelly-Ann FRASER-PRYCE of JAMAICA (JAM) at the World Ath

Rai Benjamin’s Red Flag Sparks Major Debate as Track and Field Community Divided Following Latest Defeat

Rai Benjamin had his first loss since 2023 in the 400 m H, and the consequences of it have sparked debates in the track and field community.
Rai Benjamin

Gabby Thomas Flexes Near $50,000 Celebration as Track and Field Rise Gains Steam

Gabby Thomas, the world's top-ranked women's 200m runner recently celebrated her immense success by purchasing a new luxirous gift.
An absolute dream 🥹 #Olympics #Paris2024

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce Recalls Silent Grief That Made Her Question Everything After Paris: “I Felt So Broken”

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce missed her 100m semi-final at the Paris 2024 Olympics due to a devastating muscle cramp, recalls her support system
Athletics – Women’s 100m Round 1

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce Recalls Facing Massive Silent Struggle One Year Before Allyson Felix Brought the Conversation to Light

Six years later, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce opens up about things that make her and Allyson Felix’s paths get mixed somewhere.
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Breaks Silence on the Hidden Cost of Fame and Perfection: ‘I Wanted All Of It”

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, two-time Olympic gold medalist, talks about how newfound purpose now drives her on and off the track.
Grand Slam Track In Philadelphia – Day Two

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce Confronts Quiet Collapse Behind Paris Olympics Absence: ‘Ripped Out of My Hands’

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, experienced severe physical distress and panic during training at the Paris 2024 Olympics
World Athletics Championships Budapest 23; Hungary, 26.08.2023 Shelly-Ann FRASER-PRYCE of JAMAICA (JAM) at the World Ath

Rai Benjamin’s Red Flag Sparks Major Debate as Track and Field Community Divided Following Latest Defeat

Rai Benjamin had his first loss since 2023 in the 400 m H, and the consequences of it have sparked debates in the track and field community.
Rai Benjamin

Noah Lyles’ Streak in Trouble as 23-Month Letsile Tebogo Curse Poses Major Threat

Noah Lyles is set to make his 2025 Diamond League debut and capture a 10-0 streak, but the 23-month Letsile Tebogo Curse stands in the way.
Letsile Tebogo, Akani Simbine and Fred Kerley (1)

Sha’Carri Richardson & Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Make Big Confession Ahead Of Next Track Race

After the Prefontaine Classic, Sha'Carri Richardson & Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone come ahead to share a personal confession! Here's what it is..
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Noah Lyles Leaves Track and Field Community in Debate as Fans Argue Over Heated Letsile Tebogo Clash

Noah Lyles, the Olympic 100m champion, is making his highly anticipated 200m season debut at the Monaco Diamond League on July 11, 2025.
Letsile Tebogo and Noah Lyles

Usain Bolt Caught in Outrageous Twist Following Bold Joey Chestnut Prediction

A viral online debate pits Usain Bolt against Joey Chestnut in a bizarre hypothetical race combining a hot dog eating contest with a 100m dash
Usain Bolt

NBC Faces Scrutiny as National Reporter Raises Red Flags Over Prefontaine Classic Broadcast

NBC faces backlash after national reporter highlights major broadcast flaws during Prefontaine Classic coverage, wasn’t it disappointing?
Prefontaine Classic 2025

Michael Johnson Hit with $12.8 Million Accusation as American Track and Field Star Makes Shocking Revelation

Michael Johnson's Grand Slam Track, initially hailed as a revolutionary league, quickly faltered after its first three successful meets.
Track & Field: Grand Slam Track Miami

Noah Lyles Makes Bold Move After Tyreek Hill Setback, Shifts Fan Sentiment

Days after the Tyreek Hill race got cancelled, Noah Lyles has just made a bold move. Is it the indication of an impending battle?
imago1051546974h NOAH LYLES

Olympic Star Reveals Harsh Track & Field Reality After Losing Sponsor

This track and field athlete must have been proud after winning the silver in the Olympics, but almost 11 months later situation is different.
Daniel Roberts

Sha’Carri Richardson’s Honesty Applauded After True Feelings Aired Over Recent Struggles

Despite a loss in the Prefontaine Classic, Sha'Carri Richardson earns praise from the track and field analysts for her admission.
Sha’Carri Richardson

Kishane Thompson Voices Honest Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce Feelings Following Usain Bolt’s Massive Admission

While echoing the same sentiment as Usain Bolt did, Kishane Thompson gives a tribute to Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce after the Prefontaine win.
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce

Christian Coleman Faces Stinging Message as American Star Airs Disappointment Over Ongoing Struggles

Christian Coleman lands 7th at Prefontaine as Noah Williams delivers sharp reaction—what's behind the sprint star's struggles?
Christian Coleman

Julien Alfred Makes Unexpected Confession as Olympic Champion Reveals Shocking Fact About Track and Field Career

Julien Alfred reveals surprising truth about her track career after Prefontaine Classic loss—what did the Olympic champ admit to?
75th Boris Hanzekovic Memorial.

Masai Russell Reveals Brutal Injury Struggles Before Prefontaine Classic Comeback

Masai Russell opens up on injury struggles and emotional silence before making her anticipated Prefontaine Classic return—what changed?
Masai Russell Instagram

American Coach Joins Justin Gatlin To Make Earnest Request To Track & Field Athletes

Justin Gatlin is joined by an american track and field coach as they send out an important message to the track and field athletes.
Justin Gatlin and Sil.

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Puts Fans On Notice As Fierce Debate Breaks Over Next Career Decision

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has sparked a debate in the track and field community with her next career move for this season.
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone

Tara Davis-Woodhall Makes A Public Demand To Nike Amidst Noah Lyles’ Personal Fight

Noah Lyles is still fighting the battle with his sponosrs and in between that Tara Davis-Woodhall has made a similar request from hers.
Tara Davis-Woodhall and Noah Lyles

Noah Lyles Took Matter In His Own Hands As He Speaks On Career Decisions Over Unfair Treatment

Noah Lyles had to join college when those years were marked by Nil problems. So he took matters on his own, what did he do?
Noah Lyles

Track & Field Community Angry With National Reporter as Disrespectful Moment From Prefontaine Highlighted

Reporter sparks outrage at Prefontaine Classic after overshadowing record-breaking run with one disrespectful moment. But towards whom? Why?
Athletics – Women’s 1500m Semi-Final 1

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.

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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

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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.
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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

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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