Track and Field

Track and field is one of the oldest sports in the world. It includes running races on a track, jumping events, and throwing events. Almost every school has a track and field team.

Track Events

Track events are the running races. Sprints are short and fast, like the 100-meter dash. Middle-distance races include the 800 meters. Long-distance races can be 5,000 meters or more. There are also relay races where teammates take turns running.

Hurdle races add an extra challenge. Runners have to jump over barriers called hurdles while they sprint. The steeplechase has hurdles and a water pit that runners have to cross.

Field Events

Field events take place in the area inside the track. Jumping events include the long jump, high jump, and pole vault. In throwing events, athletes throw objects like the shot put, discus, and javelin as far as they can.

Each event requires different skills. Sprinters need to be fast. Jumpers need to be explosive. Throwers need to be strong. That is what makes track and field so cool. There is an event for every kind of athlete.

Fun Facts

• Track and field events were part of the very first ancient Olympic Games in 776 BC.
• Usain Bolt ran the 100-meter dash in just 9.58 seconds, the world record.
• The longest track and field race at the Olympics is the 50-kilometer race walk.

Did You Know?

The very first Olympic event ever was a running race called the "stadion," which was about 192 meters long. That is where the word "stadium" comes from!