Athletics (Track and Field) Concept

Athletics (Track and Field)

Track and Field’ is primarily and individual sport. It consists of approximately thirty (30) events. These 30 events have been divided
into ‘track events” and ‘field events. There is no proof when exactly it started.

But the evidences of prehistoric period confirm that athletic events were important part of their life-like survival of fittest; hunting for food, finding shelter etc. In this way the culture of Athletic events like running, jumping and throwing was formed. A primitive form was practised in Egypt more than 40 years ago. Teh creton became the firstman to engage it in a systematic way around 1500 B.C.

The word athletic’ comes from the Greek word athlos which means comptition. The
word ‘stadium’ comes from stadion (an ancient Greek’s unit of length which is equivalent to about 180 m).

Many track events were alsopractised during ancient olympics like Marathan, discus throw, Javelin, Long Jump and many other short distance races.

Modern track and field events started in England by the start of the 1 8th century, mostly in the form of running and walking races.

The first professional meet was held at oxford in the year 1860. Combridge university first of all entered the scene when the first official
British championship were held in 1866. Hence, after this the sports were spread to the united states and continental Europe.

The first Modern olympic Games (1896) consisted mostly of track and field events.
Athletics consists of track and field events.
In ‘track’ one competes against time/clock.
In ‘field’ one competes against height and distance.
An ‘Athlete’ is one who takes part in track and field events.

Types of Tracks : There are two types of tracks:
(a) 400 metre track called as “Standard Track’. In this track maximum number of lanes are 8 and minimum 6.

(b) 200 metre track.
Lane : The distance between two lines is called a lane, in which an athlete runs the race. Each lane should be 1.22 m to 1.251

Line : It is marked by chalk or lime. The line should be 5 cms or 2 inches in width.
Stagger: It is a method by which all the athletes are put at par with no advantage to any one. It is used in 200 m, 400 m, only.