-
776 BCE
Ancient Olympic Games
The ancient Olympic Games in Olympia, Greece feature running events, marking the early origins of track and field. -
Modern Olympics
The first modern Olympic Games are held in Athens, Greece, featuring track and field events. -
Jesse Owens Wins Gold in front of Nazi Germany
Jesse Owens, an African-American athlete, wins four gold medals at the Berlin Olympics, challenging Adolf Hitler's notion of Aryan racial superiority. -
1st mile under 4 minutes
Roger Bannister becomes the first person to run a mile in under 4 minutes, setting a new world record at the time and pushing the boundaries of human performance. -
First African to win gold
Ethiopian athlete Abebe Bikila wins the Olympic marathon in Rome, becoming the first black African to win a gold medal in the Games. -
Salute for Civil Rights
Tommie Smith and John Carlos, American sprinters, raise their fists in a Black Power salute during the medal ceremony at the Mexico City Olympics, symbolizing the struggle for civil rights. -
Carl Lewis repeats history
Carl Lewis wins four gold medals at the World Championships in Helsinki, matching Jesse Owens' feat from 1936. -
Flo-Jo doubles in records
Florence Griffith Joyner, known as Flo-Jo, sets world records in the 100m and 200m sprints at the U.S. Olympic Trials, which still stand today. -
Usain Bolt doubles in gold and records
Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt successfully defends his titles in the 100m and 200m at the London Olympics, becoming the first athlete to win six Olympic gold medals in sprinting. -
Wayde van Niekerk breaks 400m record in lane 8
Wayde van Niekerk of South Africa breaks Michael Johnson's 400m world record at the Rio Olympics, setting a new mark of 43.03 seconds. -
Karsten Warholm does the unthinkable
Karsten Warholm of Norway breaks the men's 400m hurdles world record at the Bislett Games in Oslo, becoming the first athlete to run the event under 46 seconds