There are a large number of sports included in everything track and field. Some have a long rich history. Others have been developed or adapted in more modern times. Athletes competing in these sports must be skilled and adept in throwing, running or jumping. In some competitions a combination of these skills is required.
The throwing events include hammer throwing, discus, shot put and javelin throw. These sports require upper body strength, balance and coordination. Shot putters and hammer throwers throw from inside a circle. Finalists have six attempts to try to create more distance in their throw. Discus throwers compete in a slight larger circle.
The high jump, long jump, triple jump and pole vault make up the four jumping sports. High jump athletes run towards a bar and attempt to leap over it. The height is raised after each successful jump. Competitors in the long jump and triple jump gather speed by running towards a sanded area where they try to jump the greatest distance. The is a hopping and skipping motion included in the triple jump. Pole vaulters run with a long pole, stick it in the ground and attempt to fling themselves over a raised bar.
Competitors in running event may cover short distances such as sprints or longer distance races. Sprint racers are known for their well developed low bodies while distance races have a great deal of endurance. The marathon is the longest of the distance races at just over 26 miles. One type is sprint event is the hurdles race when competitors must ran and clear hurdles along the track. When they also have to clear areas of water the sport is known as a steeplechase.
There are two combined events in the sport. The decathlon covers ten different events over two days. Every discipline is covered except long distance running. Athletes must have a high level of overall fitness to complete a decathlon. The heptathlon is the womens version. There are fewer events but competitors must be in top physical shape.
The sports covered in everything track and field make athletes stronger and more disciplined. They may be practiced at an early age and with success athletes may go on to compete in the Olympics.
The throwing events include hammer throwing, discus, shot put and javelin throw. These sports require upper body strength, balance and coordination. Shot putters and hammer throwers throw from inside a circle. Finalists have six attempts to try to create more distance in their throw. Discus throwers compete in a slight larger circle.
The high jump, long jump, triple jump and pole vault make up the four jumping sports. High jump athletes run towards a bar and attempt to leap over it. The height is raised after each successful jump. Competitors in the long jump and triple jump gather speed by running towards a sanded area where they try to jump the greatest distance. The is a hopping and skipping motion included in the triple jump. Pole vaulters run with a long pole, stick it in the ground and attempt to fling themselves over a raised bar.
Competitors in running event may cover short distances such as sprints or longer distance races. Sprint racers are known for their well developed low bodies while distance races have a great deal of endurance. The marathon is the longest of the distance races at just over 26 miles. One type is sprint event is the hurdles race when competitors must ran and clear hurdles along the track. When they also have to clear areas of water the sport is known as a steeplechase.
There are two combined events in the sport. The decathlon covers ten different events over two days. Every discipline is covered except long distance running. Athletes must have a high level of overall fitness to complete a decathlon. The heptathlon is the womens version. There are fewer events but competitors must be in top physical shape.
The sports covered in everything track and field make athletes stronger and more disciplined. They may be practiced at an early age and with success athletes may go on to compete in the Olympics.