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ATHLETICS

ATHLETICS HISTORY

Athletics is one of the oldest and most fundamental sports, rooted in natural abilities such us running, jumping, and throwing. Originating in Ancient Greece, it was part of the first Olympic Games in 776 BC and later evolved into a structured sport in 19th-century England, leading to the foundation of World Athletics in 1912. Today, it remains the highlight of the Olympics and other global competitions.

Athletics includes track events (sprints to marathons), jumping (high jump, long jump, triple jump, and pole vault), throwing (shot put, discus, hammer, and javelin), and combined events like the decathlon and heptathlon, which test an athlete’s all-round ability. It also features race walking, a unique and technically demanding discipline.

ATHLETICS IN EUROPE

Athletics is one of the oldest and most fundamental sports, rooted in natural abilities like running, jumping, and throwing. Originating in Ancient Greece, it was part of the first Olympic Games in 776 BC and later evolved into a structured sport in 19th-century England, leading to the foundation of World Athletics in 1912. Today, it remains the highlight of the Olympics and other global competitions.

Athletics includes track events (sprints to marathons), jumping (high jump, long jump, triple jump, and pole vault), throwing (shot put, discus, hammer, and javelin), and combined events like the decathlon and heptathlon, which test an athlete’s all-around ability. It also features race walking, a unique and technically demanding discipline.

EUROPEAN GAMES

SUMMER EUROPEAN YOUTH OLYMPIC FESTIVAL (EYOF)

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ATHLETICS IN OLYMPICS

Athletics has been the heart of the Olympic Games since their modern inception in 1896, remaining one of the few mandatory sports in every edition. It embodies the original spirit of competition and human achievement, making it the main attraction of the event. With the most medals at stake, athletics best represents the Olympic values of excellence, respect, and friendship. Its events—ranging from speed and endurance to strength and technique—have created some of the most unforgettable moments in Olympic history, turning its champions into legends of world sport.
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BRISBANE
2032
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LOS ANGELES
2028
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PARIS
2024
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TOKYO
2020
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RIO
2016
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LONDON
2012
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BEIJIN
2008
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ATHENS
2004
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SYDNEY
2000
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ATLANTA
1996
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BARCELONA
1992
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SEOUL
1988
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L.A
1984
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MOSCOW
1980
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MONTREAL
1976
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MUNICH
1972
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MEXICO
1968
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TOKYO
1964
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ROME
1960
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MELBOURNE
1956
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HELSINKI
1952
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LONDON
1948
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BERLIN
1936
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L.A
1932
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AMSTERDAM
1928
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PARIS
1924
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AMBERES
1920
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STOCKHOLM
1912
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LONDON
1908
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ATHENS
1906
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ST LOUIS
1904
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PARIS
1900
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ATHENS
1896
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ABOUT ATHLETICS

Sport Europe
…one of the oldest records in the world is the women’s 800m held by Jarmila Kratochvilova (CZE) established in 1983.
Pole Vault
12 of the 15 best marks in history in the pole vault are held by Armand Duplantis (SWE).
DID YOU KNOW…
28
out of 44 indoor world records held by european athletes.
…the fastest track and field tracks (where the most records have been broken) are in Europe.
Field Track
IRENA SZEWIŃSKA (POL) IS THE ONLY ATHLETE EVER TO HOLD THE WORLD RECORD IN THE 100 M, 200 M AND 400 M EVENTS.