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Line 41: − ===Gender equality===+ − In the mid-twentieth century, women competed in far fewer events than men. Gradually, women have been allowed to do more and more, until in the 2008 Olympics in [[Beijing]] the only differences were running 100 m rather than 110 m in the sprint hurdles, and competing in the heptathlon rather than the decathlon (the women's shot, discus, javelin and hammer are also lighter than the men's). Some of the last events to be added were pole vault, hammer and steeplechase.
Overview
'''Athletics''', or '''Track and Field''', is an [[Olympic]] [[sport]] where athletes compete in a range of events involving running, jumping and throwing. Athletics has been at the centre of the Olympics since the modern games were inaugurated in 1896, and in the present day has more medals to be won than any other sport. Athletics is an important sport at schools and colleges in the [[United States]], and as a result America is one of the most successful nations in track and field. Other countries often specialise in one area of athletics, for example [[Jamaica]] (sprinting) and [[Kenya]] (distance running).
'''Athletics''', or '''Track and Field''', is an [[Olympic]] [[sport]] where athletes compete in a range of events involving running, jumping and throwing. Athletics has been at the centre of the Olympics since the modern games were inaugurated in 1896, and in the present day has more medals to be won than any other sport. Athletics is an important sport at schools and colleges in the [[United States]], and as a result America is one of the most successful nations in track and field.
== Overview ==
Although athletics is considered a single sport, different events require very different attributes. For example, sprint events (100 m and 200 m) require explosive [[power]], whereas distance events (5000 m and above) require [[stamina]] and [[tactics|tactical awareness]]. Hurdling events, triple jump and pole vault require exact technique as well as speed, strength and flexibility. It is common for certain countries to specialise in one area of athletics, for example [[Jamaica]] (sprinting) and [[Kenya]] (distance running).
Because of the differences between events, it is rare for athletes at the highest level to compete in multiple disciplines, except for established 'doubles' such as the 100 m and 200 m, or the 800 m and 1500 m. Exceptions to this are the multi-event competitions of decathlon and heptathlon, which are designed to reward the best all-round athletes. Gold medallists in these events have a strong claim to be the best athletes in the world.
All athletics events require a high level of dedication and determination to complete the training that is required to excel.
===Gender equality===
In the mid-twentieth century, women competed in far fewer events than men. Gradually, women have been allowed to do more and more, until in the 2008 Olympics in [[Beijing]] the only differences were running 100 m rather than 110 m in the sprint hurdles, and competing in the heptathlon rather than the decathlon (the women's shot, discus, javelin and hammer are also lighter than the men's). Some of the last events to be added were pole vault, hammer and steeplechase.
== Events ==
== Events ==
* Heptathlon, the women's equivalent, which features seven events.
* Heptathlon, the women's equivalent, which features seven events.
[[Category:Sports]]
[[Category:Sports]]