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History Of Track And Field

What is the history of Track And Field? What are its origins? Where did Track And Field come from? Who invented it? Here is the history of Track And Field.

Track and Field History

Table of Contents

What are the basic rules of Track And Field?

Track and Field encompasses many different events, and each event has its own set of rules. Below is a list of the most popular Track and Field events.

Running

Jumping

Throwing

While the rules vary depending on the event, there are some general rules that apply to most or all events:

  • Athletes may not start until they are told (often by the firing of a gun)
  • If applicable, athletes must stay in their lane
  • In relay races, there is a designated zone where athletes may hand off batons
  • There are certain techniques for throwing events which must be followed
  • In jumping events, athletes must make sure not to cross the line at which they must jump

Which Country Started Track And Field?

Track and Field originates from the ancient Olympics. These Olympics took place in Greece. These Olympics happened a long time ago, so their history is not extremely clear. However, it is known that Track and Field was the first event. It was also believed to be the only event for the first thirteen Olympics.

Who Invented Track And Field?

There is no one man credited for inventing the Olympics. Rather, it is the country of Greece who started the Olympics which receives the credit.

One notable figure is Koroibos. Koroibos, a cook at the time of the first olympics, won the first ever Olympic event: the stadium race.

When was Track And Field Established?

Track and Field is believed to have been played for the first time in 776 B.C. This was the first Olympics. There is some historic evidence which suggests that the ancient olympics began even earlier. The Olympics were banned in A.D. 394.

The Modern Olympics were established in 1896. At the collegiate level, track and field was reborn a bit earlier. In 1849 the Royal Military Academy in Britain held the first collegiate track and field meeting.

In the 1860's the sport began to grow quite a bit. The first ever English Championships were held in 1866. This competition was made for amateurs, or people who had never made money off their skills. To the day, this competition still exists.

In 1880 the Amatuer Athletic Club, which had designed the English Championships, was replaced by the Amatuer Athletic Assocation.

Track and Field certainly was popular when it was invented for the first ever Olympics. However, it didn't see modern popularity until the 1860's. The creation of the Amatuer Athletic Club allowed the sport to be organized, and led to the first ever English Championship.

In 1896, when the Modern Olympics first happened, Track and Field grew even more popular.

  • U.S.A.
  • Jamaica
  • Kenya
  • Ethiopia
  • Great Britain
  • Canada
  • China
  • France
  • New Zealand
  • South Africa

Track And Field History Key Facts and Timeline

  • ~776 B.C. - Track and Field Invented in first Olympics Games
  • A.D. 334 - Olympics banned
  • 1100's - Brief revival of Track and Field in Britain
  • 1849 - First ever collegiate Track and Field Meet
  • 1860's - Track and Field begins to gain popularity
  • 1896 - Modern Olympics begin

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