The events in track and field can be broken into the track events, which are the running events, and the field events. Field events include the long jump, high jump, triple jump, pole vault, and the throwing events, including the hammer, discus, javelin and shot put. Not all of these field events are included in indoor track and field competitions because indoor stadiums don't have the room for all these sports.
U.S. Indoor Track and Field Events
The field events contested at the U.S. Indoor Track and Field Championships include the long jump, high jump, triple jump, pole vault, shot put and the weight throw. Noticeably absent from those field events are the javelin and discus competitions. Within a stadium, however, not enough room exists for the discus event, where a long throw can exceed 200 feet. And the area should be at least 80 yards wide. The javelin event needs even more room and requires a grass field for the javelins to land in.
Weight Throws
One field event that is specific to indoor track and field is the weight throw. The weight that is thrown is similar to the hammer used in outdoor track and field because the athlete hurls a heavy weight attached by a chain to handle. But in indoor track, the chain is shorter and the weight is heavier than the hammers used in outdoor track and field. Outdoor hammers are 16 lbs. for men and 8.82 pounds for women. The weights in indoor track and field are 35 lbs. for men and 20 lbs. for women. The weight throw competition is also featured at Scottish Highland Games.
Differences Between Indoor and Outdoor Events
The field events at indoor and outdoor competitions often lead to similar results. The world records tend to be close between indoor and outdoor field events. For example, in 2011, the men's indoor pole vault record was 20.02 feet, held by Sergie Bubka of the Ukraine. The outdoor record was also owned by Bubka at 20.0175 feet. For other records, though, the advantage lies with outdoor performers. In the pole vault, the U.S. high school record for the outdoor event was about 1 foot higher than the indoor record for a high school athlete in 2011.
Major Track and Field Events
Track and field events at the Olympics are always done outdoors to ensure that all events can be conducted safely. USA Track and Field has an annual indoor national championship every winter. Indoor track and field competitions are meant to be a bridge between fall sports, such as cross country, and the spring outdoor track and field season. Indoor track and field also forces athletes to stay in competitive shape in the winter so they're ready for their spring season.
Member Comments