Sports
Track and Field: Glossary and Terms
- Baton - a tube that is passed from one relay race member to another. The runner holding the baton is the current runner for that team in the race. They are typically about 1 foot long and 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Decathlon - a combined track and field event that consists of 10 different events. Sometimes the decathlon winner is dubbed the greatest athlete in the world.
- Discus - a throwing event in track and field where a metal discus is thrown for distance.
- Fosbury Flop - a technique used in the high jump where the jumper's goes head first over the bar with their back toward the bar when going over it.
- Hammer - the hammer throw is a track an field throwing event where a large heavy ball connected to a handle with a long chain is thrown for distance.
- Heptathlon - a combined track and field event that consists of 7 different events.
- High Jump - a track and field jumping event. Athletes must clear a high bar without knocking it over by jumping.
- Hurdle - an obstacle in a race that runners must jump or clear while running.
- Javelin - a track and field throwing event where a spear-like javelin is thrown for distance.
- Long Jump - jumping event where athletes compete for the longest jump in distance.
- Pace - the rate at which a runner is running. It's important in long distance races to have the proper pace; slow enough so the runner doesn't tire out before the end of the race, but fast enough to win.
- Pentathlon - a combined track and field event that consists of 5 different events.
- Pole vault - a track and field jumping event where a long pole is used to propel the jumper to great heights.
- Relay race - a race involving multiple runners (typically 4) where each runner runs a leg of the race handing off a baton to the next runner.
- Sandpit - an area in a jumping event (i.e. long jump or triple jump) where the athlete lands.
- Shot put - a field throwing event where a heavy ball is thrown for distance.
- Sprint- a short running race where acceleration and top speed are important.
- Starting blocks - items used in sprint races where the runner puts their feet in to get a good start for the run.
- Steeplechase - a middle to long distance run with obstacles including large hurdles and water.
- Triple Jump - a track and field jumping event with three distinct phases to the jump including a hop, a step, and a jump.
Running Events
Jumping Events
Throwing Events
Track and Field Meets
IAAF
Track and Field Glossary and Terms
Athletes
Jesse Owens
Jackie Joyner-Kersee
Usain Bolt
Carl Lewis
Kenenisa Bekele
