Long Jump

track and field · Olympic sport · physics in action

Running plus jumping. Long jumpers don't just jump straight up like you might in gym class. They sprint down a runway at top speed, then launch themselves forward as far as possible. It's like channeling all that running energy into one massive leap.

Measuring the leap. Officials measure from the takeoff line to the nearest mark the jumper makes in the sand pit. The best long jumpers can soar over 29 feet (about 9 meters), which is longer than a school bus!

Ancient origins. Long jumping was part of the ancient Olympic Games in Greece thousands of years ago. The modern Olympic event started for men in 1896, and women got to compete in it starting in 1948.

Speed meets strength. Winning at long jump requires three things working together: the speed from your running start, the explosive power in your legs, and the perfect timing and technique of your jump. Even small improvements in any of these can add feet to your distance.

The takeoff matters most. Jumpers must launch from exactly the right spot or their jump doesn't count. Getting your foot placement and jump angle just right is as important as how hard you push off the ground.