Decathlon

    Some athletes compete in both fielding and sprinting events. At the 1912 Olympic Games, an event was introduced to allow athletes to display both their speed and field abilities. The event is known as the decathlon. The decathlon consists of ten events, combining sprinting and fielding events. This event usually lasts over two days.

    Usually, the events in the decathlon are: 100-meter, long jump, shot put, high jump, 400-meter, 110m hurdles, discus throw, pole vault, javelin throw, and 1,500-meter. These events involves sprinting, long-distance, and fielding events. Allowing unique athletes to display their rare talents.

    Decathlon athletes are known as "super-athletes." It is rare for an athlete to have abilities in each major event in the sport. In order to compete in a decathlon, it is important to have endurance, speed, and flexibility. Combining to become a "super-athlete." 

Notable Decathlon athletes:

Bruce Jenner, Roman Šebrle, Daley Thompson, Trey Hardee

Fielding Events

     In track and field, both running and fielding events are incorporated. In fielding events, competitors are able to display their athletic abilities. Jumping, strength, and accuracy. These events are an opportunity for non-runners to compete in the sport. The fielding events are equally important as the sprints. 

    Normally there are seven fielding events: Pole vault, weight throw, shot put, long jump, discus throw, hammer throw, and high jump. These events are the most commonly used for competitions. Events may differ depending on the circumstances.

    Weight throw is an event to display strength. Athletes must compete to throw a weighted ball, usually weighing 35 or 56 pounds. Shot put is similar to weight throw. Although, the event requires coordination. Using a traditional technique, throwers must toss a weight without crossing the boundaries. Discus throw is a competition of throwing a disk-like object. The competitor with the furthest throw is declared the winner. Hammer throw consists of throwing a hammer in a sequence fashion. Using both hands, competitors must release the hammer within the circle.

    Pole vault is a sequence in which a competitor must clear over a heightened obstacle, using flexibility and the help of a pole. Long jump measures horizontal jumps. Competitors are given the task of jumping the furthest in a sand-pit. High jump measures vertical jumps. Unlike pole vault, competitors must solely rely on their flexibility. Without the use of a support pole, jumpers must clear a height distance. Landing on a soft platform. 

Relay Races

    Arguably the most favorite events in the sport are relay races. Relay races consists of four members from each team. Each teammate must run the required distance, also passing off a baton to the next runner. A baton is a metal/plastic stick carried by runners throughout the race. The objective is to have all teammates complete the required length before the other teams. The runners are considered "legs." There are four different legs, representing each member. 

    In relays, runners must be able to pass off a baton in the marked exchange zone. An exchange zone is the distance given to hand off the baton. If exchanged outside of the boundaries, it will result in a disqualification for the team.

Events are:

400m (4 x 100) - each runner must complete 100 meters.

800m (4 x 200) - each runner must complete 200 meters.

1,600m (4 x 400) - each runner must complete 400 meters.

3,200m (4 x 800) - each runner must complete 800 meters.

Hurdles

    In track and field, hurdling is a competition in which runners must overcome obstacles throughout the race. A sequence of hurdles are placed in an equal distance apart. In races, competitors must clear the hurdles while remaining in their lane. Runners are allowed to knock down the hurdles with their legs, but if a runner knocks it down with their hand - it results in a disqualification. The first runner to finish is declared the winner. 

    

    Hurdling is a combination of coordination and sprinting. In order to be successful, it is mandatory to have both flexibility and speed. The race consists of mobility and sprinting. Most runners are tall, which helps for jumping over the obstacles. Events involving hurdles are: 100m (women), 110m (men), and 400m (both). 

Notable Hurdlers:

100m (women): Kendra Harrison, Nia Ali, Sharika Nelvis

110m (men): Aries Merritt, David Oliver, Omar Mcleod 

400mH: Félix Sánchez, Angelo Taylor, Dai Green

Long-Distance

    A popular area in track and field is the long-distance events. These events includes anything between 3,000 meters to 30,000 meters; in some cases marathons (26 mile, 385 yards). Unlike sprinting events, long-distance races are about pacing. Instead of a burst of speed, it is important to find a suitable pace for the races. 

    In most long-distance events, stamina is key. Developing a good pace and strategic plan will help increase stamina throughout the race. In distance events, being fast doesn't equivalent to being the best. It is about pacing and endurance. The runners with the best gameplan usually are most successful in these events.

In order to be successful in such events, it is important to take care of the body. Drinking much fluid and eating well is extremely important for long-distance runners. Off-the-track discipline is important as on-the-track discipline.

Notable Long-Distance Runners:

Kenenisa Bekele, Eliud Kipchoge, Paavo Nurmi, Geoffrey Kamworor

Sprint

   Sprint in track and field is a short footrace, while using maximum speed. The race consist of a short burst of speed, giving an all-out effort against competitors. Events involving sprints are: 100m, 200m, and 400 meters. Over the past years, these events has become a fan-favorite during competitions.

    During a sprint race, all competitors must start in a separate lane. On most courses, there are eight different lanes. Runners begin in a downward position, using a starting block. A starting block is a platform used to brace the runners' feet. As the runners prepare for the race, the official
gives a three-step command. These three commands are critical in sprinting events. If any runner fails to meet the criteria of these commands, it is likely to result in a disqualification. Removing the runner from the event. 

"Runners on your mark" - Runners must be in a correct position in their appropriate lane.

 "Get set" - Runners should be prepared to push off their blocks in a set position.

*Shoots Gun* -  Runners can now begin the competition.

    

Notable 100 meter competitors: Usain Bolt, Tyson Gay, Yohan Blake

Notable 200 meter competitors: Michael Johnson, Justin Gatlin, Noah Lyles

Notable 400 meter competitors: Wayde Van Niekerk, Butch Reynolds, Jeremy Wariner

History Of Track & Field

     The sport of track and field can be traced from past eras in history. With little knowledge of the origin, it has been rumored that the Egyptian and Asian civilians participated in the sport. Perhaps as early as 1829 B.C. Although there's little knowledge about the sport, there has been much development over the years. 

    Track and field developed into a modern sport during the 19th century. Early developments can be traced from England. During the time, organized competitions were held anually. In 1866, the first English championship was introduced as the Amateur Athletic Club. 

    With the popularity of track and field growing, the sport didn't gain much momentum until the 1896 Olympic Games. During the games, track and field became an official international sport. With track and field becoming an official Olympic sport, the popularity began to increase quickly. By the 1950s, athletes from different cultures all participated in international meets.

    As track and field continued to grow, popular athletes began to ascend. Some of the most popular athletes to participate in the sport are: Jesse Owens, Carl Lewis, Mo Farah, Michael Johnson, Usain Bolt, and several more. Today, track and field is a highly anticipated sport in the Olympic Games. Fans today celebrates the sport from all across the world.