"If there's a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it." These words by Toni Morrison sum up why I got into writing after being an avid reader for most of my childhood. After juggling with words for years, it still comes as a surprise how much there is to write and read. Despite being a software engineer, the will to keep on writing got me involved with poetry and later content creation. 

The additional desire for storytelling and my history of athletics paved the way for EssentiallySports. With the dream to return to my athletic roots and absorb as much knowledge as I can, I am grateful to keep on learning new things every day about various sports.

Despite being more of an off-court reader, the thrill that game coverage instilled within me got me more involved with the NFL. Even though the stories revolving around the NFL are very intriguing, the hype and energy of the games is the literal cherry on top for me. When I am not immersed in NFL gameplays and off-court stories, I am usually lost in writing poems, cooking, and playing with colors.

Just 132 days to go for the Paris Olympics 2024, and we’re getting the names of the Olympic hopefuls and some young probable Olympians. Track and field has undoubtedly produced the maximum number of successful athletes [https://www.essentiallysports.com/us-sports-news-olympics-news-track-and-field-news-noah-lyles-outdoor-preparation-reaches-new-heights-as-he-reunites-with-old-pals/] and will continue to do so in the future. The world is singing praises of the early or mid-20 speedsters, starting from Sha’Carri Richardson to Femke Bol. But what about the U20? One name has particularly made waves in the 2023 season. Shaikira King, the British track budding star, boasts of a fine sprinting career. All thanks to the 2023 English Schools Championships, from which she walked home with the 800m record. Having said so, she has proved herself as the epitome of determination again. At least that is what her recent performance shows. TRACK AND FIELD YOUNGSTER INNES FITZGERALD WITH THE GOLD The X handle of Vinco posted, “Expect the unexpected…” demonstrating how the initial runner-up Olivia Forrest’s life changed in a fraction of a second. Flying to victory in the inter girls’ quite dramatically, she left behind King, who fell in the last lap, just an arm away from the finish line. But her strong will to pull herself back didn’t have her lying on the floor for long. Though she missed out on the podium, pulling herself up and finishing the race stood as a testament to King’s undying sportsmanship. In June 2023, the 15-year-old track and field icon ran the UK age 14 record, clocking in at 2:04.47. Considering this great feat, she was one of the top choices in this category at the English Schools Championships. Another U20 athlete, Innes FitzGerald, defended her senior girls’ title at the cross country race. As one of the most decorated U20 runners, she might have Shaikira King walking in her footsteps soon. SHAIKIRA KING’S TRACK CAREER Having taken the course along Forrest, the Leicestershire and Rutland native boasts of a couple of podiums. At the Ayo Falola Dream Mile, Lee Valley Athletics Centre, London, the 15-year-old secured the pole position. Especially competing in the 800m, at the SIAB Schools International T&F Competition, she nabbed another victory on July 15, 2023. Another gold came under her belt from the ESAA – English Schools Ch., where she ran a stunning 4:26.01 in 1500m. At just 15, Shaikira King has a high chance of making it to the International stage anytime soon, regardless of the minor setbacks that try to plague her growing career. READ MORE: “Its Humbling”: Olympic Hopeful Anna Hall Shares Intense Rehab Journey to Chase Paris Dreams [https://www.essentiallysports.com/us-sports-news-olympics-news-track-and-field-news-its-humbling-olympic-hopeful-anna-hall-shares-intense-rehab-journey-to-chase-paris-dreams/] 

Track and field youngster Shaikira King proves her worth again at the English Schools Championship. She fell, picked herself up, and ran.

Agnijeeta Majumder is an Olympic Sports writer at EssentiallySports. Being a
former sprinter herself, Agnijeeta takes a specific interest in field events.
She covers track and field, equestrian sports, alpine skiing, and gymnastics.
Her coverage brings to the spotlight the brand endorsement deals and the season
stats of the athletes. Through her articles, she often highlights several NIL
deals of Jordan Chiles and LSU gymnast Olivia Dunne. During the 2023 World
Artistic Gymnsatics Championships, she covered Men’s gymnastics events, and
shared her insights on Yul Moldauer’s phenomenal maneuver on the Pommel Horse.
When she is not talking about her favorite athletes, Agnijeeta can be found
playing the melody of her ukelele. To know more about Agnijeeta, follow her on:-

https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/agnijeeta--96x96.png

Writing Medal Moments

Agnijeeta Majumder

blockquote

script

strong

15-Year-Old British Track and Field Star Completes Race Despite Fall
Near Finish Line

Dana White Faces Trouble for UFC 307 As Alex Pereira vs Khalil Rountree’s Main
Card Loses Undefeated Fighter

Afraid to Go Home, Junelle Bromfield Opens Up About Hardships in Jamaica: ‘Did
Not Have Any Money’

Tennis Fans Gush as Roger Federer’s Daughters Myla and Charlene Steal the Show
With Their Adorable Reaction to Carlos Alcaraz at Laver Cup

Stephen Nedoroscik’s DWTS Partner Rylee Arnold Gives Fans an Important Health
Update: “It’s Tricky”

Big Crisis in Patrick Mahomes’ Family Before Chiefs Game as Mom Randi
Desperately Seeks Prayers for Ailing Dad

<em>Speed. Technique. Thrill.</em> Track and Field is a sport that incorporates all this and more. Races so electrifying that they bring the house down, speeds so blazing that you might miss them in the blink of an eye, and rivalries so intense that there is a constant tussle for dominance. Well, the recently concluded 2024 Paris Olympics provided a hearty dose of track action. And now, the ongoing Diamond League circuit is ensuring that track fans continue to be on the edge of their seats. But, do you know what the initial days of this fascinating sport looked like?
<h2>Track and Field: History and evolution of the sport</h2>
On the marks, set, go. If only the evolution of track and field were so easy. Instead, it was something that gradually happened over years of evolution.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2388715" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Track-and-Field-4.jpg" alt="" width="1600" height="900" />

<strong>Ancient-</strong> One of the oldest sports to have existed, the cornerstone of track and field was laid by the Greeks, where men would exhibit their athletic talents as part of celebratory events. Initially limited to foot races, stadion and diaulos were the competitions that comprised the crux of the sport, which has been around since the first Olympics in Ancient Greece, dating back to 776 B.C. Although the Romans continued the games till 394 A.D., when it was banned, the sport saw a resurgence after the decline of the Roman empire. Tracing back to the 16th and 17th centuries, foot races had become a regular sight in Europe.

<strong>Modern</strong>- The 1860s predominantly saw the wave of transformation, wherein the first championships featuring amateur men were held in England. Athletic clubs and organizations sprung up across Europe and the United States, with the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) coming into being in 1887.

<strong>Olympic age</strong>- 1896, was when the first Modern Olympic Games were flagged off in Athens, which included track and field in the sports that debuted.

<strong>20th century</strong>- With athletes flocking from across the world to exhibit their athletic talent, track and field's stature elevated substantially. Technical developments fostered improvements in training and diet, and the track saw the likes of legends like Jesse Owens, Usain Bolt, Flo-Jo, etc coming out at the top.
<h2>What are the major events in track and field?</h2>
Track and field is a sport that covers a plethora of events under its banner. Speaking of the Olympics in particular, it features 48 events, 24 men's events and 24 women's. Care to know what they are?
<table style="border-collapse: collapse;width: 100%;height: 292px">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 50px">
<td style="width: 28.6666%;height: 50px"><strong>Track Discipline</strong></td>
<td style="width: 71.3334%;height: 50px"><strong>Events</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 28.6666%;height: 24px">Sprint</td>
<td style="width: 71.3334%;height: 24px">100m, 200m, 400m</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 28.6666%;height: 24px">Middle-distance/Long-distance</td>
<td style="width: 71.3334%;height: 24px">800m, 1500m, 5000m, 10000m, 3000m steeplechase</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 28.6666%;height: 24px">Hurdles</td>
<td style="width: 71.3334%;height: 24px">100m hurdles, 110m hurdles, 400m hurdles</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 28.6666%;height: 24px">Road Running</td>
<td style="width: 71.3334%;height: 24px">Half marathon, marathon</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 28.6666%;height: 24px">Race Walks</td>
<td style="width: 71.3334%;height: 24px">20k race walk, 35k race walk</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 28.6666%;height: 24px">Relays</td>
<td style="width: 71.3334%;height: 24px">4x100 relay, 4x400 relay, 4x400 relay mixed</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 50px">
<td style="width: 28.6666%;height: 50px"><strong>Field Discipline</strong></td>
<td style="width: 71.3334%;height: 50px"><strong>Events</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 28.6666%;height: 24px">Jumps</td>
<td style="width: 71.3334%;height: 24px">High jump, pole vault, long jump, triple jump</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 28.6666%;height: 24px">Throws</td>
<td style="width: 71.3334%;height: 24px">Shot put, discus throw, hammer throw, javelin throw</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 28.6666%">Combined Events</td>
<td style="width: 71.3334%">Heptathlon, Decathlon</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 28.6666%">Cross Country</td>
<td style="width: 71.3334%"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 28.6666%">Mountain Running</td>
<td style="width: 71.3334%"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 28.6666%">Ultra Running</td>
<td style="width: 71.3334%"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 28.6666%">Trail Running</td>
<td style="width: 71.3334%"></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2048019" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/imago1033652038h.jpg" alt="Diamond League Armand Duplantis" /></h2>
<h2>What are the rules and regulations of track and field in major competitions like the Olympics?</h2>
<strong>Sprinting Rules</strong>
<ul>
 	<li>Most of the sprinting events from 100m to 5000m conduct qualifying rounds before the finals. Usually heats, semifinals, and then the finals. The top three on the finals scoreboard take home gold, silver, and bronze.</li>
 	<li>Sprints, hurdles, and relay races feature starting blocks, followed by the firing of a pistol to commence the race. If a runner starts before the fire, it's called a 'false start.' This will lead to disqualification.</li>
 	<li>100m sprints and 110m/100m hurdles comprise starts where racers are all in one line. Whereas, in the 200m, 400m, 400m hurdles, 4x100m relay, and 400m relay categories, they are placed in staggered positions.</li>
 	<li>Running outside the allocated lanes would also lead to disqualification. If an athlete is forced to cross the lane by another one so that there is no material advantage, they will not be disqualified. The same for a person who strays out or crosses the line, and in doing so, they do not get an advantage, there will be no disqualification.</li>
 	<li>The athlete whose torso crosses the vertical finish line plane will be declared the winner.</li>
</ul>
<strong>Relay Rules</strong>
<ul>
 	<li>For any of the relays, baton handover must not happen beyond the 20m changeover box. If yes, then this would amount to disqualification.</li>
 	<li>The baton should not fall or touch the ground in any way.</li>
</ul>
<strong>Middle Distance Rules</strong>
<ul>
 	<li>There are no starting blocks in these races. Also, athletes line up in an upright position. In 800m, the 8 runners will stand in staggered positions before the start. Through the first turn, they have to stay in their respective lanes, but can then break to the inside. If done very early, then can lead to disqualification.</li>
 	<li>1500m and the steeplechase have group starts, and no fixed lanes are allocated.</li>
 	<li>In steeplechase, if an athlete steps aside during a barrier, they will be disqualified. They can jump above them in any way, but no part of the foot or leg should be below the horizontal plane of the upper bar while they are attempting to clear it.</li>
</ul>
<strong>Long Distance Rules</strong>
<ul>
 	<li>The 10,000m, marathon, race walk, decathlon, and heptathlon are events that directly conduct finals with no qualifying rounds.</li>
 	<li>The starts happen in an upright position and involve no touching of the ground.</li>
 	<li>Usually, these feature mass starts. However given the possibility that there are more than 12 runners in the race, they are divided into staggered groups. The first one will have 65 percent of the athletes that usually appear on a start line.</li>
 	<li>There are no lane assignments. Track athletes can break for positions right after the commencement.</li>
</ul>
<strong>Race Walking Rules</strong>
<ul>
 	<li>The walker must be in contact with the ground continuously. Even the advancing leg should be straight from the instance when it comes in contact with the ground till it goes into the upright position.</li>
 	<li>There are anything between six and nine judges in the event. And they are free to issue warnings upon violations like leg contact or perhaps a bent knee.</li>
 	<li>If participating athletes get warnings from 3 different judges, they get disqualified. Also, if an official medical officer asks them to retire from the race, the competitors must leave.</li>
</ul>
<strong>Jumping Rules</strong>
<ul>
 	<li>High jump- The jump-off must happen from one foot. And given that the athlete makes contact with the crossbar and falls off the supports, it will be counted as a failed attempt. Also, athletes will be given 3 attempts for a particular height. The option to pass a certain height and try for the next is also available. But, if there are 2 failed attempts at a single height, and the athlete skips that to move on to the next, the next should be cleared on the first try.</li>
 	<li>Pole Vault- Participants can use a substance either on their hands or the pole to facilitate a better grip. But, tape on fingers or hands is prohibited, unless there is an open wound. Athletes are also allowed to use their poles, of any material, length, or diameter. If they break, the participants still get another go at it. However, there are three criteria for disqualification. First is when the vaulter makes the crossbar fall by touch. Second is when they move their lower hand above their upper one or their upper hand higher on the pole after leaving the ground. And third, if they steady or replace the bar while conducting the vault.</li>
 	<li>Long Jump- The measurement for the jumps is calculated from the takeoff line to the closest break in the landing area, done by any part of the participant's body. Failed attempts happen on exceeding the takeoff line while jumping, or on taking off from outside either end of the take-off board. Or perhaps touching the ground outside the landing area closer to the take-off line, in comparison to the nearest break in the sand.</li>
 	<li>Triple Jump- There are three stages of a triple jump- a hop, a step, and a jump, all done in the said sequence. Hope and jump have to be made from the same foot used for take-off, while the step involves the other. Failed attempts have identical criteria to the long jump. However, there is one exception, and that is when an athlete makes contact with the ground with their sleeping leg during a jump, it isn't considered a failure.</li>
</ul>
<strong>Decathlon and Heptathlon Rules-</strong>
<ul>
 	<li>The decathlon and heptathlon events are conducted over two consecutive days.</li>
 	<li>In both these events, 3 attempts in the long jump, shot put, discus, and javelin throw are allowed. And a single false start in track events is allowed.</li>
</ul>
<strong>Throwing Rules-</strong>
<ul>
 	<li>Shot, discuss, and hammer throw are all done from within the demarcated throwing circles. While the javelin throw features a runway. Crossing either while a throwing attempt is made will count as a failed attempt.</li>
 	<li>Also, the athletes must not exit and stay in the throwing area until the javelin or the respective implement touches the ground. And for it to be considered a valid throw, they should land within the landing zone.</li>
 	<li>Gloves are only permitted in hammer throw, while any sort of tape is not allowed unless there is an open wound on the hands or the fingers.</li>
</ul>
[caption id="attachment_688450" align="aligncenter" width="1920"]<img class="size-full wp-image-688450" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-1324305797.jpg" alt="" width="1920" height="1280" /> EUGENE, OREGON - JUNE 18: Ryan Crouser competes in the Men's Shot Put final during day one of the 2020 U.S. Olympic Track &amp; Field Team Trials at Hayward Field on June 18, 2021 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)[/caption]
<h2>What are the major track and field championships?</h2>
Some of the pivotal athletic competitions include-
<ul>
 	<li>The Athletics World Championships (Once every 2 years)</li>
 	<li>Olympic Games (Once every 4 years)</li>
 	<li>Commonwealth Games (Once every 4 years)</li>
 	<li>World Indoor Championships (Once every 2 years)</li>
 	<li>World Diamond League Meetings (Every year)</li>
 	<li>World Athletics Relays (Biennial)</li>
 	<li>Marathon Majors (Every year)</li>
 	<li>World Athletics Cross Country Championships (Biennial)</li>
 	<li>New York Marathon (Every year)</li>
</ul>
<h2>Who are the greatest track and field stars of all time?</h2>
Here are some of the most decorated track and field athletes of all time:
<table style="height: 400px;width: 100%;border-collapse: collapse">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 20%;height: 29px">Name</td>
<td style="width: 20%;height: 29px">Country</td>
<td style="width: 20%;height: 29px">Event</td>
<td style="width: 20%;height: 29px">Olympic medals</td>
<td style="width: 20%;height: 29px">Personal best</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 17px">
<td style="width: 20%;height: 10px">Paavo Nurmi</td>
<td style="width: 20%;height: 10px">Finland</td>
<td style="width: 20%;height: 10px">Middle and Long Distance Runner</td>
<td style="width: 20%;height: 10px"> 12 medals- 9G, 3S</td>
<td style="width: 20%;height: 10px">10000m - 30:06.2h

3000m - 8:20.4h

5000m- 14:28.2h</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 56px">
<td style="width: 20%;height: 56px">Carl Lewis</td>
<td style="width: 20%;height: 56px">United States

&nbsp;</td>
<td style="width: 20%;height: 56px">100m,200m, Long Jump, 4x100m relay</td>
<td style="width: 20%;height: 56px">10 medals- 9G, 1S</td>
<td style="width: 20%;height: 56px">Long Jump- 8.87

100m- 9.86

200m- 19.75</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 56px">
<td style="width: 20%;height: 56px">Usain Bolt</td>
<td style="width: 20%;height: 56px">Jamaica</td>
<td style="width: 20%;height: 56px">100m, 200m, 4x100m relay</td>
<td style="width: 20%;height: 56px">8 medals- 8G</td>
<td style="width: 20%;height: 56px">100m- 9.58 (WR, AR)

200m- 19.19 (WR, AR)</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 56px">
<td style="width: 20%;height: 56px">Jesse Owens</td>
<td style="width: 20%;height: 56px">United States</td>
<td style="width: 20%;height: 56px">100m, 200m, Long Jump, 4x100m relay</td>
<td style="width: 20%;height: 56px">4 medals- 4G</td>
<td style="width: 20%;height: 56px">100m- 10.2h

200m- 20.7h

4x100m relay- 39.8h

Long Jump- 8.13</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 56px">
<td style="width: 20%;height: 56px">Allyson Felix</td>
<td style="width: 20%;height: 56px">United States</td>
<td style="width: 20%;height: 56px">200m, 4x400m relay, 4x100m relay, 400m</td>
<td style="width: 20%;height: 56px">11 medals- 7G, 3S, 1B</td>
<td style="width: 20%;height: 56px">200m- 21.69

400m- 49.26

4x100m relay- 40.82

4x400m relay- 31.16.85</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 96px">
<td style="width: 20%;height: 96px">Florence Griffith Joyner</td>
<td style="width: 20%;height: 96px">United States</td>
<td style="width: 20%;height: 96px">100m, 200, 4x100m relay, 4x400m relay</td>
<td style="width: 20%;height: 96px">5 medals- 3G, 2S</td>
<td style="width: 20%;height: 96px">100m- 10.49

200m- 21.34</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
[caption id="attachment_761704" align="aligncenter" width="1920"]<img class="size-full wp-image-761704" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-166165212.jpg" alt="Usain Bolt" width="1920" height="1280" /> Usain Bolt of Jamaica reacts as he wins the Olympic mens 200m final in a new world record time in the Birds Nest stadium, Beijing on August 20th 2008 in Beijing, China (Photo by Tom Jenkins/Getty Images). An image from the book "In The Moment" published June 2012[/caption]

&nbsp;
<table style="height: 400px;width: 100%;border-collapse: collapse">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 96px">
<td style="width: 20%;height: 96px">Jackie Joyner-Kersee</td>
<td style="width: 20%;height: 96px">United States</td>
<td style="width: 20%;height: 96px">Heptathlon, Long Jump</td>
<td style="width: 20%;height: 96px">6 medals- 3G, 1S, 2B</td>
<td style="width: 20%;height: 96px">Heptathlon- 1331

Long Jump- 7.49</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 56px">
<td style="width: 20%;height: 56px">Bob Beamon</td>
<td style="width: 20%;height: 56px">United States</td>
<td style="width: 20%;height: 56px">Long Jump</td>
<td style="width: 20%;height: 56px">1 medal- 1G</td>
<td style="width: 20%;height: 56px">Long Jump- 8.90</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 80px">
<td style="width: 20%;height: 80px">Javie Sotomayor</td>
<td style="width: 20%;height: 80px">Cuba</td>
<td style="width: 20%;height: 80px">High Jump</td>
<td style="width: 20%;height: 80px">2 medals- 1G, 1S</td>
<td style="width: 20%;height: 80px">High Jump- 2.45 (WR)</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 80px">
<td style="width: 20%;height: 80px">Jan Zelezny</td>
<td style="width: 20%;height: 80px">Czechia</td>
<td style="width: 20%;height: 80px">Javelin Throw</td>
<td style="width: 20%;height: 80px">4 medals- 3G, 1S</td>
<td style="width: 20%;height: 80px">Javelin Throw- 98.48 (WR)</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 96px">
<td style="width: 20%;height: 96px">&nbsp;

Haile Gebrselassie</td>
<td style="width: 20%;height: 96px">Ethiopia</td>
<td style="width: 20%;height: 96px">Long Distance Runner</td>
<td style="width: 20%;height: 96px">2 medals- 2G</td>
<td style="width: 20%;height: 96px">10000m- 26:22.75

5000m- 12:39.36</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 56px">
<td style="width: 20%;height: 56px">AI Oerter</td>
<td style="width: 20%;height: 56px">United States</td>
<td style="width: 20%;height: 56px">Discus Throw</td>
<td style="width: 20%;height: 56px">4 medals- 4G</td>
<td style="width: 20%;height: 56px">Discus Throw- 69.46</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 56px">
<td style="width: 20%;height: 56px">Sergey Bubka</td>
<td style="width: 20%;height: 56px">Ukraine</td>
<td style="width: 20%;height: 56px">Pole Vault</td>
<td style="width: 20%;height: 56px">1 medal- 1G</td>
<td style="width: 20%;height: 56px">Pole Vault- 6.15</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

TRACK AND FIELD

Speed. Technique. Thrill. Track and Field is a sport that incorporates all this and more. Races so electrifying that they bring the house down, speeds so blazing that you might miss them in the blink of an eye, and rivalries so intense that there is a constant tussle for dominance. Well, the recently concluded 2024 Paris Olympics provided a hearty dose of track action. And now, the ongoing Diamond League circuit is ensuring that track fans continue to be on the edge of their seats. But, do you know what the initial days of this fascinating sport looked like? Track and Field: History and evolution of the sport On the marks, set, go. If only the evolution of track and field were so easy. Instead, it was something that gradually happened over years of evolution. Ancient- One of the oldest sports to have existed, the cornerstone of track and field was laid by the Greeks, where men would exhibit their athletic talents as part of celebratory events. Initially limited to foot races, stadion and diaulos were the competitions that comprised the crux of the sport, which has been around since the first Olympics in Ancient Greece, dating back to 776 B.C. Although the Romans continued the games till 394 A.D., when it was banned, the sport saw a resurgence after the decline of the Roman empire. Tracing back to the 16th and 17th centuries, foot races had become a regular sight in Europe. Modern&#8211; The 1860s predominantly saw the wave of transformation, wherein the first championships featuring amateur men were held in England. Athletic clubs and organizations sprung up across Europe and the United States, with the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) coming into being in 1887. Olympic age&#8211; 1896, was when the first Modern Olympic Games were flagged off in Athens, which included track and field in the sports that debuted. 20th century&#8211; With athletes flocking from across the world to exhibit their athletic talent, track and field&#8217;s stature elevated substantially. Technical developments fostered improvements in training and diet, and the track saw the likes of legends like Jesse Owens, Usain Bolt, Flo-Jo, etc coming out at the top. What are the major events in track and field? Track and field is a sport that covers a plethora of events under its banner. Speaking of the Olympics in particular, it features 48 events, 24 men&#8217;s events and 24 women&#8217;s. Care to know what they are?  Track Discipline Events  Sprint 100m, 200m, 400m  Middle-distance/Long-distance 800m, 1500m, 5000m, 10000m, 3000m steeplechase  Hurdles 100m hurdles, 110m hurdles, 400m hurdles  Road Running Half marathon, marathon  Race Walks 20k race walk, 35k race walk  Relays 4&#215;100 relay, 4&#215;400 relay, 4&#215;400 relay mixed  Field Discipline Events  Jumps High jump, pole vault, long jump, triple jump  Throws Shot put, discus throw, hammer throw, javelin throw  Combined Events Heptathlon, Decathlon  Cross Country  Mountain Running  Ultra Running  Trail Running   What are the rules and regulations of track and field in major competitions like the Olympics? Sprinting Rules Most of the sprinting events from 100m to 5000m conduct qualifying rounds before the finals. Usually heats, semifinals, and then the finals. The top three on the finals scoreboard take home gold, silver, and bronze. Sprints, hurdles, and relay races feature starting blocks, followed by the firing of a pistol to commence the race. If a runner starts before the fire, it&#8217;s called a &#8216;false start.&#8217; This will lead to disqualification. 100m sprints and 110m/100m hurdles comprise starts where racers are all in one line. Whereas, in the 200m, 400m, 400m hurdles, 4x100m relay, and 400m relay categories, they are placed in staggered positions. Running outside the allocated lanes would also lead to disqualification. If an athlete is forced to cross the lane by another one so that there is no material advantage, they will not be disqualified. The same for a person who strays out or crosses the line, and in doing so, they do not get an advantage, there will be no disqualification. The athlete whose torso crosses the vertical finish line plane will be declared the winner. Relay Rules For any of the relays, baton handover must not happen beyond the 20m changeover box. If yes, then this would amount to disqualification. The baton should not fall or touch the ground in any way. Middle Distance Rules There are no starting blocks in these races. Also, athletes line up in an upright position. In 800m, the 8 runners will stand in staggered positions before the start. Through the first turn, they have to stay in their respective lanes, but can then break to the inside. If done very early, then can lead to disqualification. 1500m and the steeplechase have group starts, and no fixed lanes are allocated. In steeplechase, if an athlete steps aside during a barrier, they will be disqualified. They can jump above them in any way, but no part of the foot or leg should be below the horizontal plane of the upper bar while they are attempting to clear it. Long Distance Rules The 10,000m, marathon, race walk, decathlon, and heptathlon are events that directly conduct finals with no qualifying rounds. The starts happen in an upright position and involve no touching of the ground. Usually, these feature mass starts. However given the possibility that there are more than 12 runners in the race, they are divided into staggered groups. The first one will have 65 percent of the athletes that usually appear on a start line. There are no lane assignments. Track athletes can break for positions right after the commencement. Race Walking Rules The walker must be in contact with the ground continuously. Even the advancing leg should be straight from the instance when it comes in contact with the ground till it goes into the upright position. There are anything between six and nine judges in the event. And they are free to issue warnings upon violations like leg contact or perhaps a bent knee. If participating athletes get warnings from 3 different judges, they get disqualified. Also, if an official medical officer asks them to retire from the race, the competitors must leave. Jumping Rules High jump- The jump-off must happen from one foot. And given that the athlete makes contact with the crossbar and falls off the supports, it will be counted as a failed attempt. Also, athletes will be given 3 attempts for a particular height. The option to pass a certain height and try for the next is also available. But, if there are 2 failed attempts at a single height, and the athlete skips that to move on to the next, the next should be cleared on the first try. Pole Vault- Participants can use a substance either on their hands or the pole to facilitate a better grip. But, tape on fingers or hands is prohibited, unless there is an open wound. Athletes are also allowed to use their poles, of any material, length, or diameter. If they break, the participants still get another go at it. However, there are three criteria for disqualification. First is when the vaulter makes the crossbar fall by touch. Second is when they move their lower hand above their upper one or their upper hand higher on the pole after leaving the ground. And third, if they steady or replace the bar while conducting the vault. Long Jump- The measurement for the jumps is calculated from the takeoff line to the closest break in the landing area, done by any part of the participant&#8217;s body. Failed attempts happen on exceeding the takeoff line while jumping, or on taking off from outside either end of the take-off board. Or perhaps touching the ground outside the landing area closer to the take-off line, in comparison to the nearest break in the sand. Triple Jump- There are three stages of a triple jump- a hop, a step, and a jump, all done in the said sequence. Hope and jump have to be made from the same foot used for take-off, while the step involves the other. Failed attempts have identical criteria to the long jump. However, there is one exception, and that is when an athlete makes contact with the ground with their sleeping leg during a jump, it isn&#8217;t considered a failure. Decathlon and Heptathlon Rules- The decathlon and heptathlon events are conducted over two consecutive days. In both these events, 3 attempts in the long jump, shot put, discus, and javelin throw are allowed. And a single false start in track events is allowed. Throwing Rules- Shot, discuss, and hammer throw are all done from within the demarcated throwing circles. While the javelin throw features a runway. Crossing either while a throwing attempt is made will count as a failed attempt. Also, the athletes must not exit and stay in the throwing area until the javelin or the respective implement touches the ground. And for it to be considered a valid throw, they should land within the landing zone. Gloves are only permitted in hammer throw, while any sort of tape is not allowed unless there is an open wound on the hands or the fingers. EUGENE, OREGON &#8211; JUNE 18: Ryan Crouser competes in the Men&#8217;s Shot Put final during day one of the 2020 U.S. Olympic Track &amp; Field Team Trials at Hayward Field on June 18, 2021 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) What are the major track and field championships? Some of the pivotal athletic competitions include- The Athletics World Championships (Once every 2 years) Olympic Games (Once every 4 years) Commonwealth Games (Once every 4 years) World Indoor Championships (Once every 2 years) World Diamond League Meetings (Every year) World Athletics Relays (Biennial) Marathon Majors (Every year) World Athletics Cross Country Championships (Biennial) New York Marathon (Every year) Who are the greatest track and field stars of all time? Here are some of the most decorated track and field athletes of all time:  Name Country Event Olympic medals Personal best  Paavo Nurmi Finland Middle and Long Distance Runner  12 medals- 9G, 3S 10000m &#8211; 30:06.2h 3000m &#8211; 8:20.4h 5000m- 14:28.2h  Carl Lewis United States &nbsp; 100m,200m, Long Jump, 4x100m relay 10 medals- 9G, 1S Long Jump- 8.87 100m- 9.86 200m- 19.75  Usain Bolt Jamaica 100m, 200m, 4x100m relay 8 medals- 8G 100m- 9.58 (WR, AR) 200m- 19.19 (WR, AR)  Jesse Owens United States 100m, 200m, Long Jump, 4x100m relay 4 medals- 4G 100m- 10.2h 200m- 20.7h 4x100m relay- 39.8h Long Jump- 8.13  Allyson Felix United States 200m, 4x400m relay, 4x100m relay, 400m 11 medals- 7G, 3S, 1B 200m- 21.69 400m- 49.26 4x100m relay- 40.82 4x400m relay- 31.16.85  Florence Griffith Joyner United States 100m, 200, 4x100m relay, 4x400m relay 5 medals- 3G, 2S 100m- 10.49 200m- 21.34  Usain Bolt of Jamaica reacts as he wins the Olympic mens 200m final in a new world record time in the Birds Nest stadium, Beijing on August 20th 2008 in Beijing, China (Photo by Tom Jenkins/Getty Images). An image from the book &#8220;In The Moment&#8221; published June 2012 &nbsp;  Jackie Joyner-Kersee United States Heptathlon, Long Jump 6 medals- 3G, 1S, 2B Heptathlon- 1331 Long Jump- 7.49  Bob Beamon United States Long Jump 1 medal- 1G Long Jump- 8.90  Javie Sotomayor Cuba High Jump 2 medals- 1G, 1S High Jump- 2.45 (WR)  Jan Zelezny Czechia Javelin Throw 4 medals- 3G, 1S Javelin Throw- 98.48 (WR)  &nbsp; Haile Gebrselassie Ethiopia Long Distance Runner 2 medals- 2G 10000m- 26:22.75 5000m- 12:39.36  AI Oerter United States Discus Throw 4 medals- 4G Discus Throw- 69.46  Sergey Bubka Ukraine Pole Vault 1 medal- 1G Pole Vault- 6.15

TRACK AND FIELD Archives

LatestTRACK AND FIELD - EssentiallySports News | EssentiallySports

EssentiallySports

https://www.staging.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/es_circle_black_logo.png

title

description

robots

link

15-Year-Old British Track and Field Star Completes Race Despite Fall Near Finish Line

https://www.essentiallysports.com/us-sports-news-olympics-news-track-and-field-news-fifteen-year-old-british-track-and-field-star-completes-race-despite-fall-near-finish-line/

https://www.facebook.com/essentiallysports

https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/usa-track-and-field.jpg

author

twitter:card

twitter:creator

twitter:site

Femke Bol

Femke Bol Archives

Femke Bol Archives - EssentiallySports

<h2>Sha’Carri Richardson: Net Worth 2024, Athletics Career, Family, and More</h2>
[caption id="attachment_2139626" align="alignnone" width="473"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-2139626" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-1638667204-473x315.jpg" alt="" width="473" height="315" /> BUDAPEST, HUNGARY - AUGUST 25: Bronze medalist Sha'Carri Richardson of Team United States reacts after the Women's 200m Final during day seven of the World Athletics Championships Budapest 2023 at National Athletics Centre on August 25, 2023 in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)[/caption]

The enigmatic Sha'Carri Richardson is regarded as one of the brightest talents in athletics. While competing for her high school and at national level competitions, she clinched a multitude of accolades and created a name for herself in the track and field arena. The influence of the G.O.A.T., Florence Griffith-Joyner is evident in her style and attire on the track. Her colored hair keeps changing all the time as it has become a part of her identity.
<h2><strong>Sha’Carri Richardson’s Net Worth 2024</strong></h2>
The net worth of American sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson is estimated to be between $1 million to $5 million. Her salary ranges between $45,000 and $50,000. The major chunk of her wealth is from her earnings as a track and field champion and various endorsements with elite brands like Nike, Beats, and Apple Music.
<h2><strong>Sha'Carri Richardson’s Family and Early Life</strong></h2>
Sha'Carri was born on 25th March 2000 in Dallas, Texas. She had a rather choppy start to life after her mother abandoned her. Her grandmother had an instrumental role in her upbringing and motivated her to be an athlete. With no siblings in the picture, the athlete was raised by her grandmother, Betty Harp, and her aunt.

In 2021, a week before the Japan Olympics trail began, her biological mother passed away. The track and field star was oblivious to her mother's demise until she was asked about it by a reporter. She doesn't have siblings.

Richardson got enrolled at Louisiana State University and was a part of the LSU Lady Tigers track and field team. Her ability on the track was clear since she was young. Hence, she started participating in track and field competitions in her teenage years, and in 2016 she competed in her first race at the US Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Junior Olympics where she stood atop the podium in the race track event of her age group. Standing at around 5'1", the sprinter has a unique sprinting style.
<h2 class="jsx-cb26a7af5694ead9"><strong>Sha’Carri Richardson’s Track and Field Accomplishments</strong></h2>
Sha'Carri Richardson's victory in the 100-meter race in the AAU Junior Olympics in 2016 elevated her career. After that, she won the Emerging Athlete Award at the USA Track &amp; Field Junior Championships in 2017. More success followed at the 2017 Pan American U20 Athletics Championships where she won the gold medal as well.

During her LSU career, the athlete entered the 2019 NCAA Division I Indoor Track and Field Championships and reached the finals. The real breakthrough came when she won the 100-meter race at the 2019 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships. Additionally, she finished in second place in the 200-meter race.

Both the races saw her create the world under-20 records for the sprints. Finally, after her first year, she went on to become a professional in a bid to get selected for the Tokyo Olympics 2020. However, just before her much-awaited debut at the Olympics, she was handed a ban by the World Anti-Doping Agency for doping <a class="jsx-2b55705d932ea6e9" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/us-sports-news-olympics-news-track-and-field-news-should-have-never-tried-to-poison-me-shacarri-richardson-exposes-close-ones-publicly-in-a-bold-statement/" target="_self" rel="noopener">due to which she missed the event</a>. After that, the sprinter returned for the Nike Prefontaine Classic Meet and finished fourth in the race. She set a time of 10.80 seconds.

Her arrival on the big stage came when she created the sixth-fastest time in women's 100-meter history. She set a time of 10.72 seconds and coincidently, became the fourth-fastest American sprinter in the nation's history. The dreams of becoming an international athlete became fulfilled after she set a time of 10.86 in the United States Olympic Trials.

In 2023, Richardson clocked the 100 m world lead and met the record to beat Shericka Jackson and Dina Asher-Smith at the 2023 Diamond League season in the Qatari capital, Doha. Richardson, who <a class="jsx-2b55705d932ea6e9" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/us-sports-news-olympics-news-track-and-field-newsstay-quiet-and-put-in-the-work-track-world-reacts-to-shacarri-richardsons-first-win-of-the-season/" target="_self" rel="noopener">has a personal best of 10.72</a> clocked <a class="jsx-2b55705d932ea6e9" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/us-sports-news-olympics-news-track-and-field-news-love-this-despite-rivalry-shacarri-richardsons-rare-heartwarming-moment-with-jamaican-competitor-goes-viral/" target="_self" rel="noopener">a jaw-dropping wind-assisted 10.57 in Miramar Invitational</a> - the third fastest all-conditions time in world history.

In July, Richardson secured the title of US national champion in the 100-meter sprint event by triumphing in the women's 100m final with a time of 10.82 seconds. This victory also earned her qualification for the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest.

Richardson achieved her inaugural major individual title on the international stage on the third day of the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest. She clinched the gold medal in the women's 100-meter sprint event, setting a championship record with an impressive time of 10.65 seconds. This was followed by a bronze in the women's 200 m final in 21.92 seconds.
<h2 class="jsx-cb26a7af5694ead9"><strong>Sha’Carri Richardson’s Personal and Dating Life</strong></h2>
Though Sha'Carri Richardson is presently not dating anyone, she was in a relationship with Jamaican track and field athlete Janeek Brown. However, after almost a year of dating, Richardson and Brown parted ways.

Pulling off the curtains from her break up with Brown, Richardson took to her Instagram handle and penned, "<em>I was in a relationship with a Jamaican athlete that never cared about me from jump. I was abused and stole from yet protected her from the judgement of her country &amp; family while they dragged me. I had to deal with homophobic and so much more that I'm still healing from</em>".
<h2><strong>Sha’Carri Richardson’s Controversies</strong></h2>
Richardson's life took a different turn when she turned to marijuana as a coping mechanism for her mother's death. It led to her exclusion from the Olympics. She was suspended for one month after failing the doping test following her Olympic qualifying 100-meter race victory at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials in Eugene, Oregon, on June 19, 2021.

[caption id="attachment_2139613" align="alignnone" width="473"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-2139613" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-1636522492-473x315.jpg" alt="" width="473" height="315" /> BUDAPEST, HUNGARY - AUGUST 24: Sha'Carri Richardson of Team United States looks on ahead of the Women's 200m Semi-Final during day six of the World Athletics Championships Budapest 2023 at National Athletics Centre on August 24, 2023 in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)[/caption]
<h2><strong>Sha’Carri Richardson’s Social Media</strong></h2>
<ul>
 	<li style="font-weight: 400"><strong>Is she active on social media?</strong></li>
</ul>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/itsshacarri/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a> </span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="https://twitter.com/itskerrii" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter/X</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&amp;rct=j&amp;q=&amp;esrc=s&amp;source=web&amp;cd=&amp;cad=rja&amp;uact=8&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiSmOmL3vODAxXrh1YBHZDMBOgQFnoECBEQAQ&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%401carri%3Flang%3Den&amp;usg=AOvVaw07248uphHFyZYax_8lj-RF&amp;opi=89978449" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TikTok</a></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<div></div>
<div class="jsx-45ea8ad8a1b58c7c">
<table style="width: 100%;height: 288px">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="height: 24px">Name - Sha'Carri Richardson</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="height: 24px">Born - 25th March, 2000</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="height: 24px">Place of Birth - Dallas, Texas, United States</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="height: 24px">Nationality - United States of America</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="height: 24px">Education - Louisiana State University</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 48px">
<td style="height: 48px">Parents - Shayaria Richardson (Mother), nothing much is known about her father</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="height: 24px">Height - 5'1''</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="height: 24px">Weight - 110 pounds</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="height: 24px">Partner - Not dating anyone</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="height: 24px">Kids - N/A</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="height: 24px"></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>

Sha'Carri Richardson

Find the latest news about Sha’Carri Richardson, her current net worth, endorsements, controversy, achievements, and more on EssentiallySports.

Track and field youngster Innes FitzGerald with the gold

Shaikira King’s track career