PT

PROJECT
The Evolution of
Athletics
-By
Madan J
Visakan S K
Aaruesh Praveen
XI-A2
Table of Contents

S.No TOPIC Page no.

1 History of Development of 05
Athletics
2 100, 200 and 400 meter race: 11
Race rules and track
3 Championships & World Records 13
5 Famous Players 15
 Athletics

A copy of the Ancient Greek statue Discobolus, portraying a discus

thrower
History of Development
of Athletics
Introduction:
Athletics, a term encompassing a diverse range of competitive
physical activities, has a rich and storied history that stretches
back thousands of years. From its humble origins as a means of
survival and physical training in ancient civilizations to its
modern-day status as a global spectacle, the development of
athletics mirrors the evolution of human society itself.

Ancient Beginnings:
The roots of athletics can be traced to ancient civilizations where
physical prowess was often a crucial aspect of survival. In ancient
Egypt, for example, military training involved activities such as
running, jumping, and wrestling. Similarly, in ancient Greece,
where the Olympic Games were born, athletics became
intertwined with religious festivals and held a central place in the
culture. The Greeks revered physical excellence and believed it
was essential for developing a well-rounded citizen.
First modern Summer Olympics, Athens, Greece, 1896

100m race in Athens, Olympics, 1896

The Olympic Games:
The Olympic Games, established in Olympia around 776 BCE,
marked a significant milestone in the history of athletics. These
games were not just about competition but also served as a
platform for fostering peace and camaraderie among the various
Greek city-states. Athletes from different regions gathered to
showcase their skills in events like running, discus, javelin, and
wrestling. The Olympic Games became a symbol of unity and the
pursuit of excellence.
Renaissance & Emergence of Modern
Sports:
The Renaissance brought a renewed interest in classical learning,
including the physical education ideals of ancient Greece. This
period saw the revival of interest in athletics as a means of
promoting health and well-being. In the 19th century, the
Industrial Revolution and urbanization brought about significant
changes in society. The shift from agrarian to industrial lifestyles
led to the formation of organized sports clubs and the
codification of rules for various athletic activities.
The Birth of Modern Athletics:
The latter half of the 19th century witnessed the formalization of
many sports and the establishment of international sporting
organizations. The concept of amateurism was emphasized, and
international competitions became platforms for nations to
showcase their prowess. The revival of the Olympic Games in
1896 in Athens marked the beginning of the modern era of
athletics.
1988 Summer Olympics 100m race, Seoul, South Korea

100 m sprint, Summer Olympics 2020, Tokyo, Japan

The 20th Century and Beyond:

The 20th century saw a rapid expansion of athletics, with new

sports being introduced, and existing ones evolving.
Advancements in technology, nutrition, and training methods
revolutionized the way athletes prepared for competitions. The
Olympic Games grew into a global spectacle, drawing athletes
from all corners of the world and capturing the imagination of
billions through television and later digital platforms.

The 21st century has witnessed further developments in athletics,

including the integration of technology in training, the rise of
extreme sports, and increased emphasis on inclusivity and
diversity in sports. Issues such as doping and the
commercialization of athletics have also posed challenges that
continue to be addressed by international sports organizations.
 An Olympic Track

Starting of 100m race

 Rules and Regulations
RULES:
Start:
Every sprinter must begin the race with his feet in the starting
blocks. The official race starter will call the sprinters to their blocks
and on command the runners will adopt a set position. The set
position requires the runners to have both feet in the blocks and
adopt a position with the body weight on their hands. On the
starter's gun all runners begin the race.

False Start:
A false start is called when the feet of a runner leave the starting
blocks before the starter's gun. In youth and amateur events a
false start is called by the starter or an assigned race referee. At
international competitions technology to measure false starts must
be in place. The IAAF website explains that a false start is ruled
when the reaction time of a runner is less than 0.12 seconds after
the gun. Reaction time is measured by pressure on the blocks,
with 0.12 seconds being the natural time it is ruled to take for
information to process from the brain to the muscles.

Lanes:
The width of a lane is specified by the IAAF rules or the governing
body of the event. Any sprinter who leaves his lane or obstructs
the path of another sprinter will be automatically disqualified from
the race. Stepping on the white lines is ruled as having left your
lane during the race. In these circumstances, the race referee can
order the race to be run over again if it is deemed necessary.
World Athletics earlier known as International Association of
Athletics Federations (IAAF).

World champions(Left) and Olympics Athletics(Right)

 CHAMPIONSHIPS &
WORLD RECORDS:
The World Athletics Championships, a spectacular biennial spectacle
that kicked off its exhilarating journey in 1983, is orchestrated by the
International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF). This global
extravaganza embraces a thrilling array of track and field events,
welcoming male and female athletes from the expansive network of
213 member federations affiliated with the IAAF.
World Records:
○ 100m: Usain Bolt (Jamaica)
■ Time: 9.58s
■ Speed: 37.58km/h
■ Date: 16 Aug 2009
■ Event: World Championships, Berlin, Germany
○ 200m: Usain Bolt (Jamaica)
■ Time: 19.19s
■ Speed: 37.52km/h
■ Date: 20 Aug 2009
■ Event: World Championships, Berlin, Germany
○ 400m: Wayde van Niekerk (South Africa)
■ Time: 43.03s
■ Speed: 33.47km/h
■ Date: 14 Aug 2016
■ Event: Summer Olympics 2016, Rio de Janeiro,
Brazil
Usain Bolt Jesse Owens
 Favorite Athletics Champions:

1. Usain Bolt (Jamaica):

Usain Bolt, the charismatic Jamaican sprinting sensation, stands as a
living legend in the annals of track and field history. Affectionately known
as the "Lightning Bolt," his mere presence on the track electrifies
audiences worldwide. Bolt's unparalleled speed and infectious charisma
transcend the boundaries of sport, transforming him into a global icon.
Renowned for his dominance in the 100 and 200 meters, Bolt holds not
only multiple Olympic gold medals but also championship records that
seem almost superhuman. His signature pose, the "Bolt pose," has
become a symbol of victory and exuberance. Beyond the track, Bolt's
jovial personality and sportsmanship have endeared him to fans, making
him not just a sprinter extraordinaire but a charismatic ambassador for the
joy of competition. Usain Bolt isn't merely a record-breaker; he's a living
testament to the boundless possibilities of human speed and the
embodiment of athletic excellence.
2. Jesse Owens (United States):
Jesse Owens, an icon of resilience and sporting excellence, etched his
name into history during the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Hailing from an era
fraught with racial tensions, Owens, an African American track and field
athlete, defied both the odds and Adolf Hitler's misguided notions of
Aryan supremacy. In a stunning display of speed and skill, Owens
clinched four gold medals in the 100 meters, 200 meters, long jump, and
4 × 100 meters relay. Beyond his unparalleled athletic achievements,
Owens became a symbol of triumph over adversity and a beacon of hope.
His groundbreaking success in the face of racial discrimination laid the
groundwork for future generations of athletes, showcasing the power of
sport to transcend societal barriers. Jesse Owens' legacy is not merely
one of athletic prowess but also of courage, breaking records and racial
barriers with each stride on the track.
Thank
You