Athletics


 * = Athletics

Since the first ancient Games were held in 776BC, athletics has been a part of the programme. When the first Modern Olympic Games took place in Athens 1896, there were 10 events – all for men. It was not until the Amsterdam 1928 Olympic Games that women first took part. Five women’s events were held: the 100 metres, 800 metres, 4x100-metre Relay, High Jump and Discus. In athletics there are track and field events. They are running, walking, throwing and jumping. || Running and Walking races are held over distances ranging from 100m to 50km. Apart from the Marathon and Race Walk events, which take place on the road, Running events are held in the stadium, on a 400m oval track.Most of the racing is done on the flat, but Hurdles and Steeplechase competitions require athletes to jump over hurdles on the way to the finish line. || The disciplines in throwing are High Jump, Pole Vault, Long Jump and Triple Jump. In High Jump, you have to get over a bar that is raised each time you succeed. You get three attempts at every height, and the winner is the one who jumps the greatest height, not knocking down the bar.Pole Vault follows the same rules, but athletes use a long pole to help launch themselves into the air.
 * [[image:Picture1v_gfcgbhjnhytrgdslozzakatielamkbr.png width="296" height="196"]] || **Running**
 * [[image:SMITH_Steve_19960728_GH_LKbrlamlamkbr.jpg width="292" height="350"]] || **Jumping**

In Long Jump, athletes sprint down a runway and then jump as far as they can into a sand pit.

Triple Jump looks very similar, but you have to complete a hop and step before you make your jump. All these events require a combination of speed and technique. || The throwing disciplines are Shot Put, Javelin, Discus and Hammer throw. Competitors get six attempts to throw the object as far as they can into a field. Speed, strength and technique are needed. ||
 * [[image:Dani%20Samuels1EDITEDlamkbrlamkbr.jpg width="291" height="271"]] || **Throwing**
 * [[image:Olympics+Day+10+Athletics+LMpOxjc3DwJllamkbrlamkbr.jpg width="312" height="240"]] || **Combined Events **

There are two combined events competitions. One for men and one for women. A Decathlon is for men(ten events) and a Heptathlon is for women(seven events). Athletes take part in a range of different Running, Jumping and Throwing events.The athletes win points according to the times they run and the distances they throw and jump. The competition takes place over two days; the winner is the one with the highest total of points at the end. || include component="backlinks" page="Athletics" limit="10"