Track and Field

running · jumping · throwing · competition

Running races. Athletes sprint short distances as fast as they can or run longer distances that test their stamina. Some runners even race while walking, which sounds slow but is actually a skilled sport called race walking.

Jumping high and far. Track and field includes amazing jumping events where athletes leap over bars, bounds into sandpits, or jump as far as possible. Each jump requires special techniques and lots of practice to soar the longest distance.

Throwing far. Athletes throw different objects like javelins, shots (heavy metal balls), discuses, and hammers as far as they can. Each throw event uses different techniques to make the object go the furthest.

The perfect venue. Track and field gets its name from where it happens: a circular running track and an open grass field nearby. The track is perfect for racing, while the field gives room for jumping and throwing events.

Called athletics worldwide. Outside the United States, people often call this sport athletics instead of track and field. It includes the same running, jumping, and throwing, plus road running and cross country races too.