Field Events

What are field events in the sport of track and field? Understanding this first requires a basic explanation of the athletics as a sport. First consider that athletics as an organized competition dates back at least to the Classical Era. The first Olympic Games were held in 776 B.C. As the years passed, more games were added to the classic race contest, including the Pythian Games competition, the Nemean Games, the Isthmian Games and the Roman Games. When Rome's influence felt, athletic contests in general took a turn away from classical contests of skill and deteriorated into violent or sensational spectacle. However, as the modern age set in, the Classical Era games began to return to popularity. In 1896 the Olympics were officially “re-started” at least according to the record books. From that point on track and field athleticism has been closely identified with Olympic contests and international glory.

Field Events And Track Events

There are two seasons for track and field events. The indoor season, which takes place in the winter and the outdoor season which lasts from summer to spring. Indoor track and field events feature smaller distances, such as 200 meter runs. In indoor field events, you might expect to see contests like the high jump, pole vault, long jump, triple jump and shot put. Sports such as javelin throws, hammer throws and discus throws are added for outdoor field events, as most indoor stadiums do not have adequate room for these kinds of of contests. Outdoor field events can be contested on the infield which is surrounded by the track. However, activities like javelin throws, hammer throws and discus throws are sometimes held outside the surrounding track because of the amount of room needed and because the implements may damage the infield or the track.

Other Types Of Field Events

There are many types of field events and they consist of running, throwing and jumping games. Some popular throwing field events include shotput, hammer throwing, javelin throwing and discus throwing which require feats of strength and great balance. Jumping events involve body control and velocity and include sports like the high jump, the pole vault, the long jump and the triple jump. There are also some uncommon games like the standing high jump, standing long jump and standing triple jump and multi-events like the Pentathlon, Decathlon for men and Heptathlon for women. These events are associated with field events unlike sprints, middle distance runs, long distance runs, hurdling, relays, road running and racewalking, which are usually held on a track.

Whether field events are happening indoors or outdoors, depending on season, it's an exciting competition to keep an eye on.