With the selection of five athletics superstars to the Tokyo 2020 Australian Olympic Team, here are ten fun facts you need to know about athletics.
When did Athletics make its Olympic debut?
Athletics has been held at every Olympic Games, with women's events added to the program in 1928.
When did Australia first represent in athletics?
Australian men have competed at every Games and the Australian women every Games since 1928.
Who were Australia’s first Olympians in athletics?
Australia’s first Olympic athlete was Edwin Flack who won two gold medals in 800m and 1500m 1896. Edith Robinson was Australia’s first female Olympian, competing in the 100m and 800m in 1928.
How many medals has Australia won in Athletics?
Australia has won 73 medals in athletics, including 21 gold. Athletics is the second most successful sport in Australian Olympic history.
Did you know?
Athletics is the largest single sport at the Olympic Games and at Rio 2016 Australia had 60 athletics athletes competing.
How many athletics events will be held in Tokyo?
There are 23 events for men and women ranging from sprints to distance, hurdles, jumps, throws, relays and walks. There is a 50km walk just for men and a new event in 2020 is the mixed 4x400m relay. Therefore, a total of 48 gold medals are awarded.
Who is Australia’s greatest athletics Olympian?
With four gold medals in the 100m, 200m, 4x100m and 400m events, Betty Cuthbert is our greatest Olympian in athletics.
What sports comprise heptathlon and decathlon?
The women’s heptathlon is made up of 7 events: 100m hurdles, high jump, shot put, 200m sprint, long jump, javelin throw, and 800m run.
The men’s decathlon is made up of 10 events: 100m, long jump, shot put, high jump, 400m, 110m hurdles, discus throw, pole vault, javelin throw, 1,500m.
The aim of the heptathlon and decathlon is to discover the greatest all-round athletes.
What is the current world record for the men’s 100m event?
The current men's 100m world record is 9.58 seconds, set by the greatest sprinter in history, Usain Bolt (Jamaica), at the IAAF World Championships in 2009.
Did you know?
In track events, an athlete is not deemed to have crossed the finish line until their trunk does so.
