Athletics Facts

Athletics is a collection of sporting events involving running, jumping, throwing, and walking. It is one of the oldest forms of organized sport, with competitions dating back to ancient Greece. Today, athletics is central to the Olympics, featuring events like sprints, marathon, javelin, and pole vault. Athletes push their limits in speed, endurance, and precision, with records celebrated globally. The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), now World Athletics, governs these sports. From amateur competitions to world championships, athletics continues to inspire through skill, perseverance, and global participation.

History of Athletics

Athletics has roots in ancient civilizations, notably Greece, where it was a staple of the original Olympic Games in 776 BC. Events like running and discus throw symbolized human physical achievement. The modern era of athletics began in the 19th century, with organized competitions and standardized rules. The establishment of the IAAF in 1912 marked a turning point, formalizing international competition. Athletics was a key feature of the first modern Olympics in 1896 and has since evolved to include diverse events and advanced training techniques. Its history is a testament to humanity's quest for excellence in sport.

Athletics Celebrities

• Usain Bolt
• Florence Griffith Joyner
• Carl Lewis
• Paavo Nurmi
• Allyson Felix
• Haile Gebrselassie
• Mo Farah
• Jesse Owens
• Wilma Rudolph
• Ashton Eaton
• Daley Thompson
• Hicham El Guerrouj
• Sergey Bubka
• Jackie Joyner-Kersee
• Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce
• Eliud Kipchoge
• Yelena Isinbayeva