Individual Games and Sports I

Track and field events include running, jumping, and throwing competitions. Running events are on a track, while field events are outside the track. Examples include sprints, long jump, and shot put.

Track events are categorized into sprints (100m, 200m, 400m), middle distance (800m, 1500m), long distance (3000m, 5000m, 10000m), relays (4x100m, 4x400m), and hurdles (100m, 110m, 400m).

Sprints are short distance runs requiring maximum speed throughout, like 100m. Middle distance runs, like 800m, require speed endurance and pacing, balancing speed and energy.

Relay races are team events where runners pass a baton within a 20m exchange zone. Common relays are 4x100m and 4x400m. Teamwork and precise baton exchange are crucial.

Races start with a white line. Sprinters use starting blocks. Commands are 'on your marks' and 'set'. False starts lead to disqualification. Athletes must stay in their lanes.

The finish is marked by a white line. Placement is determined by torso position. Timing is recorded to 1/100th second. Fully automatic timing is used in high-level meets.

Field events include jumping (long jump, high jump, triple jump, pole vault) and throwing (shot put, discus, javelin, hammer throw). They test strength, technique, and precision.

Athletes sprint and take off from a board into a sandpit. Distance is measured from the board to the nearest mark in the pit. Fouls occur if the take-off is over the board.

Triple jump consists of a hop, step, and jump into a sandpit. It requires rhythm and balance. Distance is measured like long jump, from take-off board to nearest mark.

Athletes run up and jump over a horizontal bar, landing on a cushioned area. The Fosbury Flop is the modern technique, where jumpers arch their back over the bar.

Pole vault involves using a fiberglass pole to clear a high bar. Athletes sprint, plant the pole, and propel themselves over the bar, landing on a mattress.

Throwing events include shot put, discus throw, javelin throw, and hammer throw. Each has specific techniques and equipment weights for men and women.

Athletes put a metal ball from a 2.135m diameter circle. The shot must be put from the shoulder. Athletes must stay in the circle until the shot lands.

Athletes throw a discus from a 2.5m diameter circle. The discus must land within a marked sector. Athletes must exit the circle from the rear after the throw.

Athletes run up and throw a javelin overhand. The javelin must land tip first. Athletes must not cross the throwing line until the javelin lands.

Hammer throw involves swinging a heavy ball attached to a wire and handle. Athletes spin to gain momentum before releasing. The ball must land within a marked sector.

Ties are broken by fewer misses at the height. If still tied, the fewest total misses in the competition decides. If still tied, a jump-off at a lower height may occur.

Hurdle heights vary by event and gender. For men's 110m hurdles, it's 1.067m. For women's 100m hurdles, it's 0.838m. Hurdles must be cleared without knocking them over.

Decathlon (men) includes 10 events: 100m, long jump, shot put, high jump, 400m, 110m hurdles, discus, pole vault, javelin, and 1500m. Heptathlon (women) includes 7 events.

Track and field dates back to Ancient Olympic Games in 776 BC. Modern Olympics began in 1896. Women's events were introduced in 1928. The sport became professional in the 1990s.