|
The 800 meter event requires tough training and
physical stamina. It is called the game of thinking athlete.
Debut in Olympics
The 800 meter event debuted in the Olympics at the 1928 Amsterdam
Summer Games. Thereafter, the event has been played regularly in the
Olympics.
Rules
International Association of Athletics Federations or IAAF has
standardized the rules of the games. In the Olympics, the rules set
by the IAAF are followed.
- The time taken by the athletes in the races is measured by an
automatic timing device approved by the IAAF.
- Any runner found obstructing her competitors' way on the
track faces disqualification.
- The runners are not permitted to run inside the inner curve
of the track.
- The length of the track used for the track events during the
Olympics and the width of each lane on the track are specified
by the IAAF.
- The radius of the outermost lane of the running track has
been set by the IAAF to maximum 50 meter.
- A runner leaving the track during the race is considered to
be out of the event.
- The runner is not given any credit until she finishes the
race.
- Preliminary heats are organized for the selection of the
athletes in the next round. Participation in the heats is must
for all athletes.
- Stepping on the inner line of the track is not allowed
- Any athlete with two false starts in the race attracts
instant disqualification.
Event Demands
The 800 meter sprint event demands great physical stamina and
physical tenacity. Only the capacity to run fast does not work here.
The sprinters required special training and condition to excel in
the event. They have to think constantly and control their speed.
Only thinking athletes are able to compete well in the event.
Great Sprinters
Well-known sprinters in 800 meter sprint for women are Jolanda
Ceplak, Maria Mutola, Doina Melinte, Tatyana Kazankina, Sigrun Grau,
Ana Fidelia Quirot, Nadezhda Olizarenko, Olga Mineyeva, Lina Radke,
Lyudmila Shevtsova, Ann Packer, Christine Wachtel, Jarmila
Kratochvilova, and Madeline Manning. |
