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