Evolution of Track and Field

By Gberry
  • 776 BCE

    Track and Field first organized

    Track and Field first organized
    The first recorded examples of organized track and field events at a sports festival are the Ancient Olympic Games. At the first Games in 776 BC in Olympia, Greece, only one event was contested: the stadion footrace.(“History TrackField : CISM EUROPE”)

  • First college track meet

    First college track meet
    Cambridge and Oxford university contested the first university meet

  • Track and Field introduced into the Olympics (for men)

    Track and Field introduced into the Olympics (for men)
    The sport was contested in the summer of 1869

  • Founding of the international athletic federation (AAF)

    Founding of the international athletic federation (AAF)
    with the revival of the Olympic games provided a global interest and standardization in the sport

  • Women allowed in Track and Field

    Women allowed in Track and Field
    Track and field were opened to women at the Summer Olympic Games (“Home | Elmira College”)

  • First black Track runner

    First black Track runner
    Jesse Owens a record-setting track and field athlete who transcended sports and triumphed over discrimination. As depicted in the movie Race, Owens captivated the world's attention through his exceptional performances at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.(“Jesse Owens | Official Website | Track Field Olympic Athlete”)

  • Track and Field first televised

    Track and Field first televised
    It was televised but only locally in Berlin

  • 2008 Beijing Olympics

    2008 Beijing Olympics
    Usain bolt became the most iconic track athlete of our time

  • Tokyo 2020 Olympic

    Tokyo 2020 Olympic
    Allyson Felix became the most decorated American track and field athlete in Olympic history, surpassing Carl Lewis, after winning her 11th medal, a gold in the 4x400m relay

  • Matthew Erickson being named Men’s Track Athlete of the Year

    Matthew Erickson being named Men’s Track Athlete of the Year
    Erickson claimed an individual championship and First-Team All-America honors in the 800 meter run at the 2025 NCAA Division l Indoor Track and Field Championships with a time of 1:46.43. He earned All-Big Ten First Team earlier this month after earning first place at the Big Ten Indoor Track and Field Championships. (Big Ten Communications)