What is a starting block in track and field?

Starting blocks are the structures that sprinters line up at prior to the start of a race.

The blocks are designed to provide support for runners' feet, enabling them to push off and accelerate. Starting blocks are used in the 100m, 110m hurdles, 200m, 400m, as well as in the 4x100m and 4x400m relays.

What are hurdles?

The hurdles used in Olympic competition consist of two feet and two uprights supporting a rectangular frame, usually made of metal. Attached to the top of the frame is a top bar, made of wood or some other suitable material.

The width of the hurdle is between 46.5 and 47.25 inches, and the hurdle must not weigh less than 22 pounds. Counterweights are attached to the base of the hurdle and are adjustable so that at each height, a force of at least 7.9 pounds and not more than 8.8 pounds is required to overturn it.

What is a vaulting pole?

The vaulting pole is the one field implement that has no official standards for competition. It can be made of any material and can be any length and diameter. The length of the pole is determined by numerous factors including the vaulter's height, weight, and personal preference. Most world-class women use poles over 14 feet in length, while the poles used by male competitors are often as long as 18 feet.

What is the shot in shot put?

The shot, the spherical ball used in shot put, is made of solid iron, brass or any metal not softer than brass. It can also be constructed of a metal shell filled with lead. It must have a smooth outer surface with a diameter between 4.3 and 5.1 inches for men's competition, or 3.7 and 4.3 inches for women. The shot must weigh at least 16 pounds for men and 8.8 pounds for women.

What is the discus?

The discus is a wooden disc surrounded by a metal rim. The men's discus weighs about 4.4 pounds and measures roughly 8.6 inches in diameter. The women's discus is half as heavy (about 2.2 pounds) and a little bit smaller (7.1 inches in diameter).

What is the hammer?

The hammer consists of three parts: the head, wire and grip. The head is a solid metal ball of the same size as the shot. The wire is 0.10 inches in diameter. The entire hammer must weigh at least 16 pounds, measuring roughly 3 feet, 10 inches. For women, the entire hammer must weigh at least 8.8 pounds and measure roughly 3 feet, 9.5 inches.

What is the javelin?

The javelin has three parts: the shaft, head and grip. The shaft is a smooth metal rod tapered at both ends, with the head, a sharply pointed metal cover, fixed to the front end. The grip is positioned at the javelin's center of gravity. The men's javelin is roughly 8 feet, 6 inches long and weighs at least 1.76 pounds, while the women's javelin is about 7 feet, 2.5 inches and weighs at least 1.3 pounds.

What is the steeplechase water jump?

The steeplechase water jump consists of a hurdle measuring 12 feet (3.66m) wide and 3 feet (91.4cm) high, followed immediately by a water pit. The length of the water jump, from the hurdle to the far end of the water pit, is 12 feet (3.66m).

The water pit is 27.5 inches (70cm) deep at the end closest to the hurdle, gradually sloping up to track level at the far end. It's lined with a synthetic surface thick enough to allow the runners spikes to grip. At the start of the race, the water level in the pit is even with the track.