Athletics

Athletics is the largest single sport at the Games. It is split into track, field, road and decathlon and heptathlon events.

The aim of the FIELD events is to 'jump or throw higher or further than your rivals’.

TRACK is split into sprinting, middle-distance and long-distance races as well as the hurdles and steeplechase and relays. The athletics track at the Olympic Stadium is 400m.

ROAD - events are the marathon and walking races which are held on public roads.

DECATHLON AND HEPTATHLON - These events are inspired by the aim to be the greatest all round competitor and a 5 event competition - long jump, discus, javelin, sprint and wrestling-was first held in around 708 BC. Now the competitors earn points per event and the points are added up to see who is the overall winner.

The Decathlon is the men's event.

Day 1: 100 metres, long jump, shot put, high jump, 400 metres

Day 2: 110 metres hurdles, discus throw, pole vault, javelin throw, 1,500 metres

Heptathlon is the women's event.

Day 1: 100 metres hurdles, high jump, shot put, 200 metres
Day 2: Long jump, javelin throw, 800 metres

FIELD EVENT FOCUS - HIGH JUMP

Have you all tried the 'Fosbury Flop'?! It's the technique most high jumpers use to clear the bar - named after Dick Fosbury who won gold for the USA in 1968. If the athletes don't manage to clear the bar after three consecutive jumps they are out of the competition.

With thanks to the International Olympic Committee for the information and videos