General
Track and Field is one of the oldest sports. Athletic contests were often held in conjunction with religious festivals, as with the Olympic Games of ancient Greece. For 11 centuries these affairs were, for men only, enormously popular events. The true development of track and field as a modern sport started in England during the 19th century. English public school and university students gave the sport drive through their interclass meets, or meetings as they are still called in Britain, and in 1849 the Royal Military Academy held the first organized track and field meet of modern times.
The games lasted for about 10 centuries. In A.D. 391 the Emperor Theodosius I ended the games. The Ancient Greeks held the Olympics every 4 years starting near the summer solstice. This 4-year period was known as an "Olympiad" and was used as a reference point for dating events throughout Greece.
Back then, the events were discus, javellin, running, longjump, stadion( A short foot race ) and wrestling, which is however not included in athletics. Pentathletes were considered to be among the athletes, and their training was often part of military service. Each of the five events in the pentathlon were thought to be useful in war or battle.
As mentioned before this was a male dominated event, where women were simply not participating.
The games lasted for about 10 centuries. In A.D. 391 the Emperor Theodosius I ended the games. The Ancient Greeks held the Olympics every 4 years starting near the summer solstice. This 4-year period was known as an "Olympiad" and was used as a reference point for dating events throughout Greece.
Back then, the events were discus, javellin, running, longjump, stadion( A short foot race ) and wrestling, which is however not included in athletics. Pentathletes were considered to be among the athletes, and their training was often part of military service. Each of the five events in the pentathlon were thought to be useful in war or battle.
As mentioned before this was a male dominated event, where women were simply not participating.
Current events
Athletics competitions can be divided into three types: international championships, national championships, and annual meetings and races. Athletes at international competitions are chosen to represent their country, while in national competitions a governing body choose the best athletes for each event and them going head to head rather than winning something benefiting the country. Annual meetings and races are the most basic level of competitions and the most occurring ones. These are often organised by sports organisations and sports promoters.
The largest multi-sport event is The Olympics, occurring every four years, organized by the International Olympic Commitee. Given the opportunity to compete here, is nothing but an honor.
Another competition related to The Olympics are The Paralympics. This is specifically made for people with disabilities held every four years around 2 weeks after the main competition.
The largest multi-sport event is The Olympics, occurring every four years, organized by the International Olympic Commitee. Given the opportunity to compete here, is nothing but an honor.
Another competition related to The Olympics are The Paralympics. This is specifically made for people with disabilities held every four years around 2 weeks after the main competition.