Track and field events are known as athletics. Track and field events can be divided into three categories such as running, jumping and throwing events. The origin of track and field events began in 776 BC, in Greece. Sports competitions were held regularly in conjunction with religious festivals. The events were organized for men only and women were not allowed to participate. This went on for centuries, but the real development began in England during the nineteenth century. Many students from schools and universities have given impetus to track and field.
The origin of track and field began in Greece, and it is an individual sport. Since 776 BC, sporting events have been held in Olympia every four years and these events lasted for about 12 centuries. Track and field events included three-foot sprints and events such as javelin, long jump, wrestling, boxing, etc. The beginning of the nineteenth century accelerated events in France, Germany and Great Britain. It is said that track and field in the United States started as early as 1860. The Amateur Athletic Union in 1888 held the first intercollegiate races and since then track and field is one of the most popular high school sports in the United States. Thousands of high school students each year began participating in track and field events.
The rules of track and field in modern times are very different from ancient times. The spirit of the game is the same and every event has evolved into popularity with the progress of the days. The only issue left was the status of the athletes because the track and field event was considered a part-time sport and participants were not allowed to accept money or cash prizes. The athletes were even banned for life. Although the rules changed soon after, the track and field event was given a modern, professional look.
The genesis of track and field in the modern Olympic Games began in 1896. Slowly and steadily, track and field became an international sport and in 1913 the International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF) was formed which had members from 16 countries. The International Association of Athletics Federations set the standard rules for the sport and soon after, the entire course of the sport was changed. The impressive stadiums soon began to be built and the important world record was approved in 1913.
Today’s athletes have many options for participating in track and field events. You have the option to participate in track events such as sprints, short and long distance runs, hurdles, relays, etc. If you have enough stamina, you can participate in road running, race walking, or the famous marathon event. The choice of javelin throw, shot put, hammer throw and discus throw has won the admiration of many strong athletes. Events like high jump, long jump, pole vault, triple jump etc. have added more excitement to the event.