Track and field competitions are arguably the jewel in the crown of every Olympic Games and the most eagerly awaited event for millions of viewers.
For hundreds of athletes, years of hard work and preparation will culminate when they step out for their respective events in Paris.
What are track and field events?
Track and field events include a wide array of running, walking, jumping and throwing competitions that form an essential part of the Olympic Games.
Races are generally held on the event’s main track which is divided into eight lanes, while throwing events take place on a field surrounded by the track. Walking and marathon races are held on the road.
What’s the schedule?
Track and field competitions will get under way from August 1, starting with the men’s and women’s 20km race walks.
Preliminary and qualification rounds for other events will begin on August 2. The women’s 100m final will be held on August 3, while the men’s 100m final is scheduled a day later.
The women’s marathon on August 11 will bring the track and field events to an end on the final day of the Games.
Favourites athletes
India’s Neeraj Chopra, who won gold in men’s javelin in the last games, will come up against the world’s current top-ranked athlete Jakub Vadlejch of Czechia in Paris.
In men’s shot put, American athletes Joe Covacs and Ryan Crouser will battle for gold.
Qatar’s Mutaz Barshim will be up against his closest rival and friend Gianmarco Tamberi in the men’s high jump competition after both athletes famously shared gold in the last games.
The long-distance running events will offer stiff competition among the world’s best athletes, most of whom will be from Africa.
Kenya’s “Queen of 1,500m” Faith Kipyegon will look to complete a hat-trick of Olympic golds in her main middle-distance category but also in the 5,000m race in a bid to win a double in the same games.
Kipyegon will undoubtedly be one of the biggest stars on the track in Paris.
The Netherlands’s long-distance running champion Sifan Hassan has entered the 1,500m, 5,000m and 10,000m races in addition to her favoured marathon category.
In the women’s marathon race, Tigst Assefa of Ethiopia, the world record holder in the category, will be one of the favourites for gold.
In men’s competitions, Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge will look to sign off from possibly his last Olympic Games with a third gold in Paris. He will be running alongside compatriot Peres Jepchirchir and against longtime rival Kenenisa Bekele of Ethiopia.
Kenya’s Alexander Munyao will also challenge for the long-distance medals.
Credit: aljazeera.com
