Track and field comprises various sporting activities, including track events such as long-distance running and sprints, field events such as shot put and long jump, and combined decathlon, heptathlon, and pentathlon competitions.
Track and field are among the oldest sports disciplines, with certain events being archaic. This article will examine the long and ancient history of track and field, laying out a timeline from its origins to the present day and exploring the most popular athletes of all time.
When Did Track and Field As a Sport Begin?
Track and field’s history can be traced back to the first Olympics in 776 B.C. Although it may be considered more modest compared to the numerous events in modern track and field, ancient Greek track and field featured a single running event called the ‘stadion,’ a 200-meter race.
Over time, the number of events in these Olympic games gradually grew with each succeeding event. Disciplines added included the javelin throw and discus, amongst others. Track and field events became popular in Ancient Greece, establishing itself as a core part of sporting success in ancient times.
Despite its popularity in ancient Greece, track and field diminished after the end of the ancient Olympics. It wasn’t until the twelfth century that track and field was reestablished in England.
