Track and Field

Ana Marie D. Espiritu

Track and field is derived from its typical venue which is a stadium with an oval running
track enclosing a grass field where the sport takes place. It is one of the most common and
oldest sport in the world which includes number of events. It establishes on the skills of
running, jumping and throwing. Most of the athletic events are individual but there is also
an event that involves a team like relays.

Running event is common which includes short distance or sprints, middle distance, long
distance, hurdles and relays. Jumping events involve high jump, long jump, pole vault and
triple jump. Throwing events have discus, javelin, shot put and hammer throw. When
participating track and field, an individual should keep in mind that different events
required a specific skill according to its difficulty. Distance runs such as marathon and
cross-country places take endurance, short sprints usually required speed and throwing
events that need strength and technique. Moreover, in order to be successful in this field,
an athlete should have a proper training to improve his physical ability while applying the
rules in chosen athletics.

Steve Prefontaine was a famous American middle and long distance runner who competed
in the 1972 Olympics. He was known for changing the way how people should perceive
running and became an inspiration for those people who see themselves on him. He was a
great influence in the field of running and he was known for toughness. Unfortunately, he
died on a car crash during his training for 1976 Olympics. Despite of that incident, his
contributions have marked the hearts of many people who look up onto him. Today, people
recognized Usain Bolt, retired Jamaican sprinter, as the fastest human being who is living
or has ever lived. It is because he is a world record holder in the 100 meters, 200 meters
and 4 × 100 meters relay. These athletes are the only two example of those people who
excel in this field and there are still people who is waiting to be discovered.

Here are some health benefits in track and field;

1. Maintaining a healthy body.

2. Strengthen balance.
3. It prevents disease.
4. Increased capacity of learning.
5. Enhances mental performance.
6. Having a goal.
7. Improves your decision making and coping skills.
8. Increases self-discipline and self-esteem.