History Of Athletic Sports: From Egyptian Civilization To Its Existence In Indonesia

Running track illustration (Image by anncapictures from Pixabay)

JAKARTA - Calling the word 'athletic' reminds us of the sports subjects during elementary school. This type of sport is the one most often given by sports teachers in elementary schools. This is because athletic sports are good for children's bio-motor development, such as speed, flexibility, endurance, strength, coordination, and so on.

This track-and-field sport is a sport (sports) which is quite popular, especially in competitions or Olympics. Each event is held, various countries enthusiastically send their proud athletes. There are quite a lot of competitions, starting from jumping, running, throwing, and so on.

But do you know if this sport has a long history. Athletics has been done since the Age of Egyptian Civilization and until now its existence is still maintained. Most recently, athletics is taking part in the Tokyo Olympics which will be held on July 23-August 8, 2021.

History of Athletics

Quoting from the Encyclopaedia Britannica, researchers estimate that the history of athletics has emerged since the time of the Egyptian Civilization, which is around 3000 BC (BC).

Then written, in 1829 BC, the Athletic Competition was held in Ireland, Europe. The race enters into a series of Lughnasadh Festivals or harvest celebrations in Ireland and Scotland.

Various historical sources also mention that athletic sports have existed since the era of Ancient Greece, 776 BC. At that time athletic competitions were held in an Olympic event.

One of them, the Greek people do a running race. Participants run across a distance of about 190 meters, the starting and ending point of which is the end of a stadium.

Ancient Greek society has even held the Olympics regularly. Like the Panhellenic Games The Pythian Game (6th century BC) held in Argolid every two years, The Isthmian Game (523 BC) was held at the Isthmus of Corinth every two years, and The Roman Games from Greece. Of the three, the Roman Game is a competition for running and throwing.

Meanwhile, the history of modern athletics only began to be developed in 1154 AD in England. The sports that are being contested are increasingly diverse, such as those used in today's Olympic games.

But two centuries later, in the 1300s, King Edward III outlawed athletics. Even athletic enthusiasts in England could breathe easy a century later. King Henry VII, known as the master hammer thrower, revived athletics.

Then athletics developed rapidly in the early 19th century in England. In 1825, athletic sports were organized in an organized manner. Athletics experienced a drastic increase in 1860. Until then, in 1866 the Amateur Athletic Club (AAC) was founded, which also led the first British championship.

In 1912, the world's attention to athletics was increasing. The sport has gained more recognition with the establishment of a sports holding organization (International Amateur Athletics Federation (IAAF) in Stockholm, Sweden.

The task of the IAAF is to organize international athletic contests and set standards. Starting from recording time to setting world records.

History of Athletics in Indonesia

The book entitled Knowing Athletic Sports (Running and Throwing Branches) (2012) states that athletic sports had developed during the reign of the Dutch East Indies. Athletics was later incorporated by the Dutch into lessons at school.

At that time, athletic clubs had been established in big cities on the island of Java. In 1917, an athletic organization was formed under the name Nederlands Indische Athletiek Unie (NIAU) or the Netherlands Indies Athletic Association.

During the Japanese period (1942-1945), athletic sports were increasingly advanced. The Japanese government is increasingly paying attention to athletic sports. Many competitions are held, ranging from running, high jump, and others.

Post-independence, the first athletic association was formed on 3 September 1950 in Semarang.

Athletic Sports

Athletic sports have various kinds of fields, from running, throwing, jumping, walking, and so on. Naming the branches using the term number.

Brisk

Brisk walking is included in athletic sports. This sport number is generally held on a running track or road. The length of the fast road track is generally 3,000 meters to 100 kilometers.

This one sport may be quite foreign to some people. Brisk walking is different from running. In this competition, one participant's foot must be on the ground. The leg that is carried forward should be straightened from the moment of the first touch to the ground.

Run

The athletic run consists of several types of competitions. This competition requires speed and a strong breath.

Medium Distance Running

Medium distance running covers a distance of 800 m, 1500 m, and 3000 m. This sport requires extra speed, stamina, and breathing.

Short Distance Running

Short distance running has a travel trajectory with a distance of 100 m, 200 m and 400 m. In this competition, participants must run as fast as lightning or sprint to win the match.

Run relay

Relay is a team competition number. In one team there are several runners who will run alternately or continue to reach the finish line.

Hurdles

In addition to speed, hurdling also requires skills to pass through obstacles in the form of hurdles. The facing goal has a height of 1,067 m.

Throw

The sport of throwing also consists of various competitions. Each competition number uses different special tools. This sport requires hand muscle strength.

Throw the disc

Throw the disc using a throwing object in the form of flat wood.

Javelin

Throw the javelin using a tool in the form of a javelin that looks like a spear.

Hammer throwing

Throw the hammer using a hammer or hammer.

Shot put

Repel bullets using a throwing object made of iron or cement.

Jump

The athletic field of jumping also consists of various competition numbers. This sport requires leg muscle strength, balance, and speed.

Jump Up

Participants will jump three times or also known as a triple jump. There are three movements that are carried out, namely hop, step, and jump.

Long jump

Participants must jump to the greatest possible distance.

Pole vault

Participants must jump as high as possible using a tool in the form of a stick

High jump

Participants are required to jump upwards by reaching the highest point.

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