Athletics facts for kids

Athletics is a popular group of sports that includes many different events. When people talk about athletics, they usually mean track and field sports. These sports involve running, walking, jumping, and throwing.

Athletics is one of the oldest sports in the world. It has been part of the Olympic Games for a very long time. Athletes compete to see who can run the fastest, jump the highest or furthest, or throw an object the farthest.

What is Track and Field Athletics?

Track and field athletics combines many exciting events. These events take place either on a running track or in the field area inside the track. Athletes train hard to improve their speed, strength, and skill.

The sport is divided into different types of events. These include races on the track and events that involve jumping or throwing. Each event tests a different athletic ability.

Running Events

Running events are all about speed and endurance. They are held on an oval track. The track usually has eight lanes.

• Sprints: These are short, fast races like the 100-meter, 200-meter, and 400-meter dashes. Runners try to go as fast as they can from start to finish.
• Middle-Distance Races: These races are longer than sprints but shorter than long-distance. Examples include the 800-meter and 1500-meter races. They require both speed and stamina.
• Long-Distance Races: These are endurance events like the 5,000-meter and 10,000-meter races. Runners need to maintain a steady pace for a long time.
• Hurdles: In hurdle races, athletes run over barriers called hurdles. They must clear the hurdles without knocking them over. Common distances are 100-meter, 110-meter, and 400-meter hurdles.
• Relays: Relay races involve teams of four runners. Each runner carries a baton and passes it to the next teammate. The team that finishes first wins. Popular relays are the 4x100-meter and 4x400-meter.

Jumping Events

Jumping events test an athlete's ability to leap high or far. These events require strength, speed, and precise technique.

• Long Jump: Athletes run down a runway and jump as far as they can into a sand pit. The distance is measured from the take-off board.
• High Jump: In the high jump, athletes run and jump over a horizontal bar. They try to clear the bar without knocking it down. The bar is raised higher after each successful jump.
• Triple Jump: This event involves three distinct movements: a hop, a skip (or step), and a jump. Athletes land in a sand pit, and the total distance is measured.
• Pole Vault: Athletes use a long, flexible pole to propel themselves over a high bar. This event combines speed, strength, and gymnastic skill.

Throwing Events

Throwing events show off an athlete's power and technique. They involve throwing heavy objects as far as possible.

• Shot Put: Athletes push a heavy metal ball (the shot) from their shoulder. They must stay within a marked circle.
• Discus Throw: Athletes spin around and throw a heavy disc. The goal is to throw it as far as possible within a marked sector.
• Javelin Throw: Athletes run and throw a spear-like object called a javelin. They aim for distance and accuracy within a throwing sector.
• Hammer Throw: This event involves throwing a heavy metal ball attached to a wire and handle. Athletes spin several times before releasing the hammer.

History of Athletics

Athletics has a very long history. The ancient Olympic Games in Greece featured many events similar to today's track and field. These included running, jumping, and throwing.

Modern athletics began to take shape in the 19th century. Many schools and universities started holding track and field competitions. The first modern Olympic Games in 1896 included many athletics events.

Today, athletics is a global sport. Major competitions like the World Athletics Championships and the Olympic Games attract athletes from all over the world. These events showcase incredible athletic talent and inspire many young people.

See Also

• Sport