Types and History of Athletics
HPE Assignment
Submitted by: Adnan Asefa
Grade: 10 A
Date: February 7 2024
Submitted to: Mr. Alemseged
Table Of Contents
1. Acknowledgment 1
2. Introduction 2
3. Atletic History of the World 3-5
4. Athletic History of Africa 6-7
5. Athletic History of Ethiopia 8 - 10
6. Athletic Types in Sports 11 - 15
7. Conclusion 16
8. Reference 17
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Acknowledgment
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Almighty God for guiding us throughout this
project and giving us the wisdom to complete it successfully. We would also like to sincerely thank
our physics teacher Abinet, whose valuable guidance and support were instrumental in shaping this
document. We would like to acknowledge the contributions of all other teachers who helped us in this
project, and we appreciate their dedication and commitment to our education. Finally, we thank all the
students who participated in this project and worked tirelessly to bring it to fruition. Your hard work
and enthusiasm are greatly appreciated.
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Introduction
The history of athletics, a sport that encompasses various track and field events, has played a
significant role in shaping the world's sporting landscape. From ancient civilizations to modern-day
competitions, athletics has been a testament to human physical prowess, endurance, and competitive
spirit. Africa, a continent rich in diverse cultures and athletic talent, has made remarkable contributions
to the global athletic stage. Among its nations, Ethiopia stands out as a powerhouse, with a storied
history of producing world-class runners who have broken records and captured international acclaim.
Exploring the history of athletics at a global, African, and Ethiopian level provides a compelling
narrative of human achievement and the enduring pursuit of athletic excellence.
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Athletic History of the World
The Origins and Evolution of Sports and Athletics
➔ The origins of organized athletics and sports date back thousands of years. Some of the earliest
recorded sporting events took place in ancient Sumer, Egypt, China, Greece and Rome. Over
time, sports have grown tremendously in popularity worldwide and become deeply embedded
in cultures globally. This article will explore the origins and evolution of athletics from ancient
times to the modern world of professional sports.
Ancient Origins
➔ Some of the earliest known organized athletic competitions took place in ancient Sumer
(modern Iraq) as early as 5000 BC. Sumerians had competitive wrestling matches and foot
races. In ancient Egypt, sporting events were connected to religious ceremonies and festivals.
Popular sports included wrestling, boxing, swimming, rowing, javelin throwing and target
shooting. Ancient China also had competitive sports for thousands of years, with events like
archery and wrestling matches dating back to the Shang Dynasty in the 17th century BC.
➔ The Greeks and Romans revolutionized athletics by transforming them into organized,
ritualized festivals known as the Ancient Olympic Games, which began in 776 BC and lasted
until 393 AD. The original Olympics featured only one event - a 192m sprint known as the
stadium race. Over time, more events were added like the diaulos, wrestling, long jump, javelin
throw, discus, and pentathlon. Winners received olive wreaths and fame instead of monetary
prizes. The Ancient Olympics grew to become one of the most prestigious events in the Greek
world. The Ancient Greeks also enjoyed sports like discus throwing, javelin throwing,
wrestling, pankration (a combination of boxing and wrestling) and swimming.
➔ The Romans adapted many Greek sports and even started their own version of the Olympic
Games called the Roman Games. Popular Roman sports included chariot racing, boxing,
wrestling, and gladiatorial contests. Team sports also emerged in Ancient Rome, with teams
playing a game similar to handball called harpastum. By this time, sports had become deeply
embedded in many ancient cultures globally.
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Sports in the Middle Ages
➔ During the Middle Ages, many traditional Greek and Roman sports declined in Europe due to
the fall of the Roman Empire and the rise of Christianity. Sports were seen as distracting from
religious duties by some Christian leaders. However, some traditional sports did survive and
evolve. For example, jousting tournaments became increasingly popular among European
knights starting in the 11th century.
➔ New activities emerged as well. Polo originated in Persia in the 6th century and spread to China
and later Europe by the Middle Ages. After settling in Ireland and Scotland, Gaelic football
slowly transitioned from a chaotic and unregulated affair into a more organized team sport with
standardized rules by the 12th century. Traditional English folk sports like wrestling, cudgeling,
and archery competitions also remained popular pastimes during this era.
The Renaissance and Rebirth of Sports
➔ As Europe transitioned out of the Middle Ages and into the Renaissance period starting in the
14th century, organized sports saw a resurgence. The Italian city-states took inspiration from
ancient Roman athletic traditions. Sports clubs started forming to organize competitions. Calcio
Fiorentino, a form of football, became hugely popular in 16th century Florence and rival
city-states would regularly face off against each other in this chaotic early form of soccer.
➔ English public schools also played a major role in standardizing many modern sports during the
16th-19th centuries. Games like cricket, rugby, tennis, squash, field hockey and badminton
emerged or evolved from medieval precursors at English private schools like Eton, Rugby and
Harrow. This helped spread and establish codified rules for many global sports. For example,
the original Cambridge Rules were published in 1848, establishing the modern sport of soccer
and setting it apart from rugby football.
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The Rise of Global Professional Sports
➔ The 19th century saw the rise of modern professional sports leagues and structures. The One
Day County Cricket match between Surrey and England was the first English professional
sports event in 1807. Baseball emerged as the dominant professional sport in post-Civil War
America and the first professional baseball league was formed in 1871. Other North American
sports like American football, basketball, and ice hockey also began to develop structured
professional leagues starting in the late 19th century.
➔ The late 19th century also witnessed the revival and professionalization of the Olympics. The
Olympic Games were reestablished in Athens in 1896 and have grown ever since into the huge
global spectacle they are today. Meanwhile, in the 20th century, sports truly became a
worldwide phenomenon. New participatory sports emerged and old sports translated across
cultures and nations. Sports governing bodies were established to standardize international
rules. Mega sports events like the FIFA World Cup sparked global fervor. The rise of national
representation and commercialization of broadcasting expanded the audiences of professional
athletes into billions worldwide.
Today's Globalized Sports World
➔ The world of contemporary professional sports is remarkably globalized and commercialized
compared to ancient times. Sports have become big business, with top professional leagues in
America, Europe, and elsewhere generating billions in annual revenue. National representation
in tournaments like the Olympics and World Cup fuels intense pride. Meanwhile, local
grassroots participation also remains strong in many communities worldwide.
➔ Going forward, sports will surely continue evolving to engage new generations of athletes and
spectators across every inhabited region and culture. New events and hybrid sports are always
emerging as well. But the competitive drive to push the limits of human athleticism through
dedicated training and competition seems innately part of human nature. This helps ensure
sports will remain a vibrant element of global popular culture for centuries to come.
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Athletic History of Africa
The History of Sports in Africa
➔ Africa has a long and rich history of various sports and athletic traditions dating back thousands
of years. Some of the earliest athletic activities on the continent included wrestling, track and
field competitions, and hunter and warrior skills trials. Over time, contact with other cultures
introduced new sports, while traditional African games evolved and spread across diverse
regions. This article provides an overview of the origins and evolution of sports across the
African continent.
Ancient African Sports
➔ Some of the oldest African sporting activities can be traced to ancient Egypt during the
Pharaonic period. Egyptians engaged in athletic competitions involving running, wrestling,
javelin throwing, high jumping, swimming, and rowing as early as 3000 BC. These activities
were often tied to religious rituals and festivals. Sports were also deeply ingrained in many
other early African civilizations like Meroe in Sudan and Great Zimbabwe. Traditional
wrestling styles emerged in places like Senegal and Uganda. Specialized skills competitions
tested warriors, hunters, and dancers in areas such as acrobatic movements, spear throwing and
archery.
➔ Throughout pre-colonial Africa, tribal societies commonly held physical challenge trials where
youths demonstrated athletics skills as rites of passage into adulthood. Some incorporated
elements of dance, music, and play. Long-distance running featured prominently, as it held
practical significance for hunting and delivering messages. Traditional African ball games
varied by region but involved clever footwork and teamwork. Games like Oware in West
Africa helped develop strategy skills.
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Contact with Europe and Beyond
➔ Some traditional African sporting traditions faced attrition due to colonial pressures. Others
adapted to the modern era or saw revivals in the post-colonial period. For example, Zambia's
liberation struggle in the 1960s helped spark a resurgence of interest in traditional wrestling
known as "Oluno." Meanwhile, African diasporic communities introduced their own cultural
influences, like Caribbean communities bringing calypso cricket to parts of West Africa.
Contemporary African Sports
➔ Today, sports remain deeply ingrained across modern African culture and society. Continental
federations now govern popular international sports like soccer, rugby, cricket, netball, and
field hockey. African nations proudly compete on the global stage at events like the Olympics,
Commonwealth Games, and FIFA World Cup. Homegrown professionals represent top
international clubs and leagues. Meanwhile, traditional cultural games hold cultural
significance and are showcased at festivals.
➔ New hybrid sports also emerged blending African and foreign influences. Sports provide
platforms for cultural exchange while fostering national identity and cooperation across the
diverse continent. Looking ahead, Africa's sporting passions and talents will surely continue
evolving and impressing the world. The rich history of athleticism on the continent leaves a
proud legacy and foundation for future generations. Sports remain integral to arts, education,
and community across Africa.
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The Athletic History of Ethiopia
➔ Ethiopia has a long and storied history of success in long-distance running and
middle-distance athletics. It all began in the early 20th century when Ethiopian
athletes first started competing globally.
Early Success in the 1920s and 1930s
➔ Some of the earliest recorded successes for Ethiopian distance runners came in the
1920s and 1930s at the Olympics and other international competitions. Belayneh
Dinamo was one of the first to represent Ethiopia, competing in the 1928 Olympics in
Amsterdam in the marathon.
➔ In the 1932 Olympics in Los Angeles, Mamo Wolde won the marathon gold medal at
2:33:16. His success showed that Ethiopian athletes had the talent and endurance to
compete with the best in the world. Over the next few decades, Ethiopian runners
would continue appearing at the Olympic Games and setting personal best times.
The Golden Era of the 1960s
➔ Many consider the 1960s to have been the beginning of Ethiopia's Golden Era of
distance running. During this decade, Abebe Bikila and Mamo Wolde pioneered a
new approach to training that helped Ethiopian athletes rise to the top. Bikila went to
the 1960 Rome Olympics as a last-minute replacement and stunned the world by
winning the marathon barefoot in a world-record time of 2:15:16.
➔ His success started gaining Ethiopia serious recognition. At the 1964 Tokyo
Olympics, Ethiopia swept the podium in the men's marathon with Bikila defending his
title and placing first and Mamo Wolde and Basil Kiros finishing second and third.
Meanwhile, other Ethiopian runners like Kuma Deme experienced success in
cross-country events across Europe. Bikila's back-to-back marathon golds helped
elevate the entire country's reputation in athletics.
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Rising Dominance in the 1970s and Beyond
➔ From that era on, Ethiopian distance runners established themselves as world leaders.
In the 1972 Munich Olympics, Mamo Walde repeated as marathon silver medalist.
Ethiopian athletes also achieved numerous World Cross Country titles and set leading
times in road races globally.
➔ The success continued and picked up even more momentum in the 1970s and beyond.
Running greats like Miruts Yifter, Derartu Tulu and Gezahegne Abera rose to stardom
with Olympic gold medals and world records. Ethiopia built on its tradition and
reputation by showcasing talented athletes across multiple generations.
➔ Some other Ethiopian legends from this period included Haile Gebrselassie, the
greatest marathoner of all time who set 27 world records and earned two Olympic
golds. Kenenisa Bekele followed in his footsteps as a distance running giant, winning
5,000m and 10,000m gold at consecutive Olympics while setting world records across
many distances on the track. Derartu Tulu was the first Ethiopian woman to win
Olympic gold when she prevailed in the 10,000m in 1992.
➔ She became an icon and role model who helped pave the way for many other
Ethiopian women like Tirunesh Dibaba and Meseret Defar to achieve great success.
Meanwhile, distance specialists like Sileshi Sihine broke world records and won
multiple World Championships from the 1990s through the 2000s.
Ethiopia's Dominance Continues Today
➔ Today, Ethiopia maintains its distance-running dynasty. In recent Olympics and World
Championships, Ethiopian men and women continue cleaning up medals in
marathons, 10Ks, 5Ks, and middle-distance events.
➔ The 2016 Olympics saw medal sweeps in the women's marathons and 10,000m finals.
Kenenisa Bekele's younger brother Tariku also earned 10,000m bronze in 2016. Other
rising names include reigning Olympic marathon champion Lelisa Desisa and Hiwot
Gebrekidan. The long and rich history of Ethiopian athletic success lives on through
talented new generations of champions.
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Impact on Global Distance Running
➔ Ethiopia's decades of domination in athletics have dramatically impacted the
worldwide sporting landscape. It inspired generations of African runners from other
nations like Kenya to follow in their footsteps. Today, East African athletes reign
supreme in long-distance and middle-distance events globally.
➔ The training regimens pioneered by Ethiopian legends like Abebe Bikila and Mamo
Walde became models widely adopted around the world. Ethiopian distance runners
served not just as champions but as respected ambassadors who expanded perceptions
of African athletic talents. Their accomplishments helped fight racial stereotypes and
prejudices.
➔ Overall, Ethiopia's rise from early 20th-century pioneers to consistent world leaders
left an indelible mark on international athletics. From Olympic golds to world records,
their proud tradition endures as one of the greatest untold stories in sports history.
Future generations will always look to Ethiopia as the birthplace of the dominant
African lineage in long-distance track and field events.
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Athletic Types in Sports
➔ Athletics encompasses a wide variety of sports and activities that require different physical
attributes and skill sets. There are various athletic types that excel in different events based on
their body types, physical gifts, and training. This article will comprehensively explore the
major athletic types seen across track and field as well as other sports.
Track and Field Athletic Types
➔ Track and field is home to a diverse collection of athletic disciplines that each favor certain
physical archetypes. The major track and field event groups are broken down below along with
descriptions of common body types that tend to succeed.
Sprints (100m, 200m)
Sprinters are among the most explosive athletes in sports. Their bodies are perfectly designed to
generate maximum power over a very short period.
➔ Physique: Lean and muscular with long legs. Ideal muscle fiber composition for rapid
acceleration. Large calf muscles help with push-off.
➔ Strength: Exceptional leg strength allows for forceful strides. Strong core and shoulder/arm
muscles maintain balance.
➔ Speed: Capable of achieving maximum velocity within 10 meters. Fast-twitch muscle fibers
respond rapidly.
➔ Agility: Low centers of gravity with flexibility to change direction smoothly. Balance and
coordination aid acceleration/deceleration.
Middle Distance (400m, 800m)
A blend of speed and endurance is required to succeed in these events ranging from a quarter mile to
half mile. Transitional speed endows middle-distance stars.
➔ Physique: Still lean but closer to a mesomorphic build than pure sprinters. Long limbs lend to
efficient stride frequency.
➔ Strength: Strong upper and lower bodies to maintain momentum throughout race. Better
strength endurance than sprinters.
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➔ Speed: Excellent turnover, maintaining 85-95% of max velocity the whole way. Fast and
slow-twitch muscle fibers are used simultaneously.
➔ Endurance: Aerobic capacity to sustain exertion for 1-2 minutes without slowing significantly
from the start pace. Lactic acid clearance is vital.
Distance (1500m, 5000m, 10000m, Marathon)
Here cardiovascular endurance is paramount. Natural distance runners can sustain hard effort for
extended periods using aerobic systems.
➔ Physique: Ectomorphic body type ideal for low weight carrying cost. Long limbs lend to
economical stride mechanics.
➔ Endurance: Remarkable VO2 Max and lactic threshold levels. Slow-twitch muscle fibers
predominate for sustained submaximal effort.
➔ Pacing: Expert ability to juggle effort levels and maintain consistent splits throughout long
races. Metabolic efficiency is key.
➔ Recovery: Rapid lactate removal and capacity to replenish muscle glycogen stores quickly
between runs/races. Strong aerobic base.
Hurdles
Combining sprint's explosiveness with agility and coordination over a barrier is a unique challenge.
Repeated force absorption/generation sets hurdlers apart.
➔ Physique: Similar to sprinters but often slightly taller to aid long stride dynamics. Strong legs
absorb impact, balanced core.
➔ Agility: Rapid foot speed with the ability to change stride patterns without missing a beat over
hurdles. Whole-body coordination.
➔ Strength: Forceful lower body power especially calves/thighs. Core endurance withstands
repetitive impacts.
➔ Technique: Hurdle-specific form must be ingrained through endless drills to clear barriers
smoothly yet not lose momentum. Leverage critical.
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Field Events
➔ Field events mostly call for a combination of athletic skills plus natural height, jumping, or
throwing abilities depending on the event. The traits vary
Jumping Events (Long Jump, Triple Jump, High Jump)
Muscular yet lean build gives propulsion with less weight to carry horizontally.
➔ Strength – Powerful legs for take-off with coordination to project body through air.
➔ Flexibility – Limber joints that don’t hinder body positioning in the flight phase.
➔ Timing – Synchronizing steps, jumps, and swings for maximum horizontal distance.
Throwing Events (Shot Put, Discus, Javelin, Hammer)
Mesomorphic build with broad shoulders for rotational force generation.
➔ Power – Explosive hips, core, and arm thrust catapult implements far.
➔ Leverage – Ideal height, arm length, and strength-to-weight ratios.
➔ Rotation – Fluidly coordinating full-body motions in quick, controlled bursts.
Combined Events (Decathlon/Heptathlon)
Exceptional all-around athletic gifts to excel across many skill disciplines.
➔ Versatility – Capable of improving in a range of events through dedication to diverse training.
➔ Adaptability – Adjusting motor patterns quickly between specialized disciplines.
➔ Determination – Mentally rising to cumulative fatigue challenge over a 2-day competition.
Other Sports Categories
➔ Beyond track and field, many other popular sports correspond with certain body types and
abilities. Here are a few examples:
Soccer
➔ Lean yet powerful lower bodies for rapid acceleration, and changes of pace.
➔ Agility to change direction instantly at high speeds with the ball.
➔ Endurance to maintain high-intensity work rates for 90+ minutes.
➔ Skill – Ball control amid physical defenders requires technique mastery.
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Basketball
➔ Height helps dominate for rebounds, and shots – ideal range 6’6”+.
➔ Athleticism for leaping ability, speed, and quick lateral movements.
➔ Strength low centers of gravity handle contact and absorb hits.
➔ Coordination shooting/passing large balls with precision.
American Football
Specialized roles favor specific builds:
➔ Linemen - Large, powerful frames absorb/deliver force at the line.
➔ Running Backs - Muscular yet lean and agile to elude tacklers.
➔ Receivers - Height/speed/coordination required to outmaneuver coverage.
➔ Quarterbacks - Mobile passers must evade rush while delivering accurately.
Swimming
➔ Lean yet toned physiques reduce drag in the water.
➔ Power - Strong yet efficient strokes to surge ahead with each arm cycle.
➔ Lung capacity - Breath control critical to aerobic/anaerobic endurance.
➔ Technique mastery - hydrodynamic form perfectly streamlines the body.
Cycling
➔ Lightweight frames for less mass to propel uphill/maintain high speeds.
➔ Leg strength kicks the pedals like pistons tirelessly.
➔ VO2 Max - Cardio endurance to sustain high respiration without fatigue.
➔ Aerobic base - Store and efficiently use energy from glycogen/fat sources.
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Conditioning and Training Development
➔ While certain innate physical attributes lend towards success for particular athletic endeavors
and event groups, consistent training can expand capabilities. Conditioning allows athletes to
maximize their natural gifts and even transition between different sports types.
➔ For example, distance runners may improve strength, power and speed with weight training to
handle cross-training more effectively and perform better in shorter events. Likewise, pure
sprinters may emphasize aerobic work to extend their performances or move up in distance on
the track without as sharp a decline.
➔ Breaking down athletic types provides a framework, but dedicated training enables athletes to
continually reset boundaries. By intelligently stressing different energy systems and physical
capacities, coaches help their athletes carve out new niches better utilizing their innate assets.
Periodization and progression over months/years lead to well-rounded physiological
improvements that take an able body even further.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, the history of athletics shows how certain regions and nations have come to
dominate over time in different events. While many early leaders and innovators in track and
field competitions came from Western countries, since the mid-20th century African nations
such as Kenya and Ethiopia have risen to become the premier forces in distance running.
Drawing on likely genetic advantages as well as training regimens perfected over
generations, East African athletes now own the record books in distances from 5,000m up to
the marathon. Within Africa, Ethiopia in particular has cemented itself as the epicenter of the
long-distance running dynasty, continuing decades of triumph from the Olympics to the
roads. All the while, athletic types across track, field and other sports have demonstrated how
certain innate physical qualities and skills are conducive to success within certain events or
event groups through the power of human adaptation, specialization and maximizing natural
gifts through scientific conditioning.
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Reference
1) https://www.britannica.com/summary/athletics
2) https://www.kreedon.com/types-of-events-in-athletics/
3) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sport_of_athletics
4) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethiopian_Athletics_Federation
5) The History of Athletics: World Athletics and the IAAF 1912-2012 by Roberto
Quercetani (2012)
6) The Greatest: The Haile Gebrselassie Story by Jim Denison (2004)
7) Running for Black Gold: Fifty Years of African Athletics by Mark Butler (2010)
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