Athletics - Expected Performance and Record Holders of the 100 meters.

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Introduction

   The 100 metres is the shortest length contested at the international athletics competition and the classic sprints race distance. Athletes have contested the event since the prehistoric days. Even today, winning a 100 metre race is considered to be the most prestigious title in the athletics world of the “fastest person in the world.”

   In the earlier days, 100 metre events were contested on natural tracks made of grass or “cylinders”. A distance of 100 yards 91.44 metres was the actual length run in those days. The 100 metre event was contested on the straight track in the early days, but presently it has often started on the extended part of the oval track. This is done to provide space for the athletes when running the race in a straight line.

   In previous days, the sprinters started the race from standing position. However, since the nineteenth century, the style of starting the race has changed. In 1937, the starting blocks were introduced to the event.

   The 100 metres event was included in the men’s athletic schedule at the 1896 Athens summer Olympic Games. The event is one of the most regular athletic events at the Olympics. The 100 metre event made its appearance in the women’s athletic program at the 1928 Amsterdam summer Olympic Games. The event has contested at every Olympics since the 1928 games.

Rules

   The International Association of Athletics Federations or the IAAF sets the rules for athletics event. The rules applying for the 100 meter sprint event are:

• The IAAF has specified the length of the standard running track to be . The organization has also determined the width of the lanes on the track.
• According to the IAAF rulebook, the radius of the outside lane of the track has to measure less than
.
• The track has to be properly marked at the starting and finishing points.
• Use of starting block is a must at the international athletics competitions.
• Use of automatic timing device approved by the IAAF is mandatory for recording time during the competition.
• Running inside the inner curve of the track during the race is not permitted. The athletes are not even allowed to step over the inner line.
• Preliminary heat rounds are arranged for selecting athletes for the next round. Only those athletes are eligible to compete in the next rounds, which qualify in the heats.
• An athlete is liable to be disqualified from the competition after commencement of two consecutive false starts.
• The athlete has to finish the race to be recognized for his performance during the race.

Expected Performance and Record Holders

   A major race, such as 100 metres at the Olympic Games, attracts much attention, particularly when the world record is thought to be within reach. The record has been lowered several times since the introduction of electronic timing in 1968 and never by more than 0.5 seconds.

   Over the years, there have been some great running heroes such as Jesse Owen and Carl Lewis from the United States of America who have dominated in the 100 metres event since the first modern Olympic Games in 1986. But there have also been some villains like Ben Johnson and Justin Gatlin who have both been found guilty of illegal drug use. Many people believe that illegal drug use is a means to gain a competitive edge over opponents and therefore is prohibited.

   Ben Johnson was a winner of 1988 summer Olympics. He won the 100 metre race in the Olympics of ‘88 and it was only three days later he was found guilty of illegal drug use and was stripped of his medal.

   Justin Gatlin, who shares the current world record with Asafa Powell and is the reigning Olympic champion in the 100 metres, admitted in July 2006 that he had tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug and faces a possible lifetime ban from track and field.

My performance: 13.7 seconds

Men’s Records

Flintshire Champion: David O’Hare – 11.0 seconds

Welsh Champion: Cyan Evans – 10.92 seconds

National Champion: Alex Nelson – 10.9 seconds

Olympic Champion: Asafa Powell/Justin Gatlin – 9.77

Women’s Records

Flintshire Record: Lucy Beesley – 12.29 seconds

Welsh Record: Lucy Beesley – 12.29 seconds

National Record: Montell Douglas – 11.79 seconds

Olympic Champion: Florence Griffith-Joyner – 10.49

Health and Safety and Risk Assessment

  Although without the same potential of injury that can be received in such sports as football, rugby or boxing, athletics nevertheless does present situations from which injury can result. Knowledge of these, and how to avoid them, is an important part of the coach's skill.

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   Before we take part in sport, we should look at the dangers which we may come across when we play that sport. We cannot anticipate what others might do to us but we can before we start go through the routine of risk assessment. Risk assessment is simply looking at the environment, equipment and conditions to ensure that it is safe to proceed with what you are going to do.

   You would not consider playing a field game if there were empty drinks cans or broken bottles on the pitch. You would not consider vaulting in ...

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