Several Branches of Athletics
Athletics has existed since ancient times, even before the Common Era in Egypt. It is estimated to be around 3000 Before Common Era (BCE). This athletic sport also has several branches. The branches of athletics are classifications of athletics based on the type of sport. They name them by events. Road events, running events, throwing events, and jumping events.
Here are some branches of athletics that exist today. These branches of athletics are often found in international competitions such as the Olympics and local competitions in Indonesia.
Road Events
The competitions in road events vary in distance. There are 5 km, 10 km, 20 km, 30 km, 40 km, and 50 km. However, for official competitions, 10 km and 20 km are usually used for women and 20 km, 30 km, 40 km for men.
Running Events
For running events, there are several types, such as: short-distance running (sprint), middle-distance running, long-distance running, marathon running, hurdles, and steeplechase.
What distinguishes several branches of running events is the distance and the way they are played. For short-distance running or sprint, the track distance is 100 meters, 200 meters, and 400 meters. For middle-distance running, the distances are 800 meters and 1,500 meters. For long-distance, it is 3,000 meters, 5,000 meters, and 10,000 meters.
Meanwhile, the marathon has a distance of 42.195 meters. Marathons are also held in open places such as highways or other locations.
For hurdles, the distance is 100 meters to 400 meters and must jump over obstacles. While the steeplechase has a longer distance of up to 3,000 meters.
There is also a running event called the relay race. The relay race involves passing a small baton to the next teammate. The total track length is 400 meters with each person covering 100 meters.
Throwing Events
In throwing events, there are javelin throw, shot put, discus throw, and hammer throw. What distinguishes these throwing events is the object being thrown and the technique used.
For javelin throw, the throw must be directed upwards and above the shoulder. In discus throw, the thrower must spin twice but still move forward before throwing the discus. Hammer throw is also quite similar to discus throw. For shot put, there are two styles, the Orthodox style (side) and the O’Brien style (backwards). The weight of the shot put also differs for female and male athletes.
Jumping Events
The athletics branch for jumping events includes several types, namely: triple jump, long jump, high jump, and pole vault. Triple jump and long jump are quite similar, but they are different, my friends. Triple jump usually consists of three hops, while long jump only has one hop.
For high jump, I believe you have often seen it in competitions. High jump must successfully clear the bar without any part of the body touching the bar. If the bar falls, it is considered a failure. The landing from the high jump is also taken into account.
In pole vault, athletes must run while carrying a pole and then jump over the obstacle. It is quite similar to high jump. However, the rules for pole vault are more numerous because there are also regulations regarding the pole used.
Read also: Collection of Traditional Sports in Indonesia
Those are some branches of athletics based on their events. Besides the athletic branches mentioned above, archery is also included.
Author: Iskael
