The Ancient Greeks
The
first Olympics in ancient Greece go back at least as far as the eighth
or ninth century B.C. While such sports as boxing and equestrian events
were included, most of the events were those now classified under
athletics or track and field. They included running, jumping, discus and
the javelin. Those four, plus wrestling, made up the pentathlon. The
running events included "stades," which were essentially sprints from
one end of the stadium to the other, a distances of about 190 meters;
two-stade races; longer-distance races of between seven and 24 stades;
and a two- or four-stade race in which the competitors wore armor.
The Modern Olympics
Running
and other athletic events have long been a part of many cultures, but
in the 19th century, such activities were becoming more popular,
particularly in Europe and the United States. School curricula included
athletics and in 1896, the first Modern Olympics were held in Athens,
Greece. Events included the 100-meters, 400 meters, 800 meters, 1,500
meters, 110-meter hurdles, pole vault, discus, shot put, javelin, long
jump, triple jump and high jump. Fourteen nations were represented.
Growth of Athletics
After
the 1896 Olympics, the popularity of athletics, or rather, a revival of
athletic competition, took place around the world. National athletics
federations from 17 countries got together to form an international
governing body and in 1912, the International Amateur Athletic
Federation was born. For many years, the pinnacle of athletics
competition was the Summer Olympics. But in the 1970s, more world
championships in various events began to take place, helping to maintain
interest in track and field every year.
21st Century Organization
By
2011, nearly 50 outdoor and 25 indoor events fall under the IAAF's
authority and rules. Some events, such as the 50-meter sprint, are no
longer part of major athletic competitions, but remain part of school
programs. Some events have been modified through the years and races of
many varying distances are contested every year. In addition to the 26.2
miles of the marathon, there is a 13.1-mile half-marathon. There are
men's and women's competitions in almost every event. Men, however, can
compete in the 10-event decathlon, while women have the seven-event
heptathlon.