At the Olympics, athletics is one of the disciplines spectators enjoy watching the most. It consists of track and field events that feature walking, running, jumping, and throwing.
Sprints
Sprints are often one of the most popular events at the Olympic Games. The sprints are over distances of 100, 200, and 400m. The runners stand in different lanes and take off when the gun sounds, sprinting to the finish. Fans love watching sprints because they are fast-paced and finish quickly.
The next Olympic Games will take place in France from 26th July to 11th August 2024. Americans who want to place bets on events can do so via online sportsbooks.
Hurdles
Hurdles follow a similar format to sprints, but the runners must jump over hurdles on their way to the finish line. The height of the hurdles is different in the different races, but they are all evenly spaced. In the 400m, the runners have to clear 10 hurdles before they reach the finish line. The hurdles are sensitive to touch, and runners can easily knock them over
Relays
Another popular event is the relay races. Four runners from each country have to run an equal distance holding a baton and pass it to the next runner. Relays showcase teamwork and speed. They also highlight the widespread appeal of athletics on the global sports stage as the most-played sport.
Middle and long-distance runners
Athletes who participate in middle and long-distance running need to know how to conserve energy. In the 800m, they have to complete two laps on the 400m track. Until the first bend, they must stay inside their lines after which they can compete to get into the inside line.
In the 1500m, 500m, and 10,000m, participants bunch up together at the start and can immediately start competing for the inside line.
The 3,000m steeplechase is an event where runners jump over fixed and water hurdles as they complete laps. This is one of the standout events spectators will be looking forward to at the Paris Olympics 2024.
Race walking
Race walking may sound easy, but this specialized event takes place over 20km, and 50km and the participants have to use specific techniques and follow a number of rules. Violating three of the rules can result in a disqualification. One of the rules is that one foot must stay in contact with the ground at all times.
Jumps
In the high jump, participants have to run and jump over a 4m long bar at a height they set. They each have three attempts at a certain height. Failing three times gets them eliminated as is the case in most of the jumping events. In the pole vault, the competitors sprint with a pole and use it to launch and clear a 4.5m long bar at a height they set. In the long jump, competitors run along a runway and jump as far as they can from a wooden board into a sandpit. They have three attempts, and the best attempt is counted.
Throws
Throwers who participate in events such as Javelin, Discus, Shot Put, and Hammer need considerable body strength. All the throwing events are quite similar, as competitors must throw an object as far as possible. They will take a run-up before launching a javelin, while they do one and a half spins before throwing a discus. They also take spins before throwing the hammer. In shot put, participants must ‘put,’ not throw a metal ball.
