Athletics is a popular sport in Australia that encompasses a wide range of sports involving running, jumping, and throwing. Athletics Australia is the governing body for athletics in the country and is responsible for overseeing the sport at all levels.
The organisation is responsible for promoting and developing athletics at all levels, from grassroots participation to elite performance. Athletics Australia provides support for athletes and coaches across the country and oversees the selection of teams for international competitions such as the Olympic Games and Commonwealth Games.
The organisation also works to promote athletics as a healthy and enjoyable form of exercise, providing resources and support for athletes of all ages and abilities. Athletics Australia is committed to promoting inclusivity and diversity in the sport, ensuring that all athletes have access to the opportunities and support they need to achieve their potential.
Sports Involved in Athletics
Athletics encompasses a wide range of sports that involve running, jumping, and throwing. Here are some of the sports that are involved:
- Track and Field Events: Track and field events are the traditional events of athletics and include sprinting, middle-distance and long-distance running, hurdles, and relays. Field events include long jump, high jump, triple jump, pole vault, shot put, discus throw, and hammer throw.
- Cross Country Running: Cross country running involves running on a natural terrain such as fields, parks or forests, rather than on a track. It is a popular form of athletics in Australia, and the sport is typically run over distances of 4-12 km.
- Race Walking: Race walking is a form of walking where the walker must maintain contact with the ground at all times and has to keep one foot on the ground at all times. It is a highly competitive sport in Australia, and events are held over distances ranging from 1 km to 50 km.
- Road Running: Road running involves running on a paved surface such as roads, footpaths, or bike paths. It is a popular form of athletics in Australia, and events are held over distances ranging from 5 km to marathons.
- Triathlon: Triathlon is a multi-disciplinary sport that involves swimming, cycling, and running. It is a popular form of athletics in Australia, and events are held over distances ranging from sprint to Ironman.