Figure 1.--Tis boys wears a typical track uniform worn by boys in the 1990s. The singlet-type tank top has been used in track and gield for years. The baggy shorts reflect the fashion trends of the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Track and field or track appears to be the earlist of all sports. The first track events were barefoot marathons and 100-metre sprints that were according to Herculean legend run on a single breath track. Many more events like the discus and javelin throw were developed for the Olymics by the ancient Greeks. Gradually after Atlexander with the decline of Greece and rise of Rome, the Olympics gave way to gladiator games using slaves and war prisionors. Track and sports in general did not begin to be revived until the 12th century. Track and sports didn't really make a full comeback until the 19th century in England. "Track and field" or "track" is the major individual sports pursued at American schools. The term "athletics" is more common in Britain. Track encompasses a wide range of sports involving runing, jumping, and throwing events. The most popular events are running events invoving speed and or endurance. Some events such as the 100 meters are pure speed. Others like the 26-mile marathon are endurance events. There are many other events at distances between these two events. Besides the running events are hurdles involving running and jumping and other events like the high jump which are primarily jumping events. Throwing events involve the javelin, shotput, and discus. Moost of these events are based on Olympic events. Especially for the speed running events, light weight costumes are very important.

History

Track and field or track appears to be the earlist of all sports. The first track events were barefoot marathons and 100-metre sprints that were according to Herculean legend run on a single breath track. The marathon is of course based on the epic run of a Greek citizen during the Persian invasion. Many more events like the discus and javelin throw were developed for the Olymics by the ancient Greeks. Gradually after Atlexander with the decline of Greece and rise of Rome, the Olympics gave way to gladiator games using slaves and war prisionors. Track and sports in general did not begin to be revived until the 12th century.

19th Century Revival

Track and sports didn't really make a full comeback until the 19th century in England. After forming the first formal athletic club in the British Isles and establishing athletic standards, the sport again spread throughout Europe and the rest of the world. Theywere also adopted at Englisgh schools and became an important part of the public school ethos.

Modern Track

"Track and field" or "track" is the major individual sports pursued at American schools. The term "athletics" is more common in Britain. Track encompasses a wide range of sports involving runing, jumping, and throwing events. The most popular events are running events invoving speed and or endurance. Some events such as the 100 meters are pure speed. Others like the 26-mile marathon are endurance events. There are many other events at distances between these two events. Besides the running events are hurdles involving running and jumping and other events like the high jump which are primarily jumping events. Throwing events involve the javelin, shotput, and discus. Moost of these events are based on Olympic events.

Uniforms

There were of course no uniforms in the Greek Olympics. The atheletes performed naked. The revival of sports and Olympic events in the late 19th century did mean uniforms. The English public schools played a major role in the revival of sports, including track events. The first athletic uniforms in the late 19th century involved very long baggy shorts. Gradually track uniforms evolved in the 20th century to tank-top singlet type shirts and short shorts. We notice in the 1970s flashier shorts appared, often with a cut at each side. One style was rather scalloped. The fit has also cganged. We have noticed tight fitting shorts as well as a loose baggy fit as seen here (figure 1). Especially for the speed running events, modern track uniforms wear light weight costumes are very important. We also notice spandex-type materials being used. I'm not sure what the practical advantage of this type of material was or if was more of a fashion statement.

Countries

An American reader reports, "Track meets are very popular for elementary and middle schools kids in California, less so in High School, although it was a big dieal in the 60s when I attended." Another reader writes, " Track and field was a major sports activity in the Virginia high school I attended during the 1950s. I was surrised to read that this has changed. We note that British schools tend to place the greater emphasis on team sports. Track and field events are often conducted on Sports Day when parents attend. We believe that German boys did track and field through sports clubs.

Created: August 18, 2001
Last updated: 1:12 AM 8/4/2004