For over a hundred years, athletics has taken a major part in the Olympic Games. Actually, it is even older than that. Back in ancient Greece, in the first Olympic Games (that started in 775 BC), people ran marathons, threw discus, jumped and more. Who knew, back then, that these races would prove so popular that they would last two millenniums?
Over the years, the Games have changed. If in the beginning of the 20th century Tug of War (a pompous name for Rope Pulling) was a part of the athletics, today it is no longer there. However, since 1952, the Games have not changed a great deal and today 24 events are consisting the men and women's competitions, much like in the past years.
|
|
The athletics in the Summer Olympics are the most popular events in the competition, a fact that explains why they call them: the Queen of Sports. Over 14 thousand men and 5500 women from more than 220 countries have participated over the years, in more than 80 events.
What would you like to watch? Marathon? 100 meters race? 200? 10,000? With hurdles or without, in a group or alone, walking or running? The Athletics have it all. If you think races are boring you can always choose the discus, hammer or javelin throw - just watch out and do not sit too close. Like jumping better? There is always the pole, or the usual high jump. So many events must mean many medals and indeed - the USA has won 767 medals, leaving the rest of the countries to linger far far behind. Even Britain, which is in the second place in medal counts, has only 194 medals.
|
|
Many great athletes participated in the Olympics over the years: Paavo Nurmi, Carl Lewis, Usain Bolt, Allyson Felix, Emil Zatopek, Michael Johnson, Jesse Owens, Evelyn Ashford and more. All of the challenged the human body and made the impossible happen. Who will be the new champion? Who will run the fastest or jump the highest? Buy Rio Olympic tickets with doctorticket and find out!
|