The heptathlon, which debuted at the Olympics in 1984 in Los Angeles, is comprised of the 100-meter hurdles, high jump, shot put, 200-meter event, long jump, javelin throw, and 800-meter event. There are four field events and three track events.
Athletes can still win the heptathlon without having perfect records in every event. Theoretically, she should have won the most total points across all competitions.
Rules and Regulations
In 1981, the IAAF officially acknowledged the heptathlon as a legitimate athletic discipline. IAAF regulations are strictly adhered to throughout Olympic competition.
- Commonly, a half-hour gap separates two activities.
- Distances in the high jump, long jump, javelin throw, and shot put are all measured in metres.
- When it comes to timing track events, only equipment recognised by the IAAF will do.
- During the competition, the athletes are not allowed to block or hinder any of their opponents. She faces two possible punishments for the offence. She could lose points for infractions of a lesser nature, or be disqualified entirely for those of a greater gravity.
- The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) sets the minimum height for the high jump and the pole vault.
- Athletes had three attempts at each of the javelin throw, long jump, high jump, and shot put events.
- In the heptathlon, competitors must take part in all seven events. Forget about winning; he won’t have a chance if they miss even one match.
- Winner is the competitor who finishes with the most points across the board.
Top Performers
Olympic heptathlon champions include Ramona Neubert, Ghada Shouaa, Irina Belova, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Denise Lewis, and Natallia Sazanovich, to name just a few. They are Sabine Braun, Anke Behmer, Natalya Shubenkova, Eunice Barber, Carolina Kluft, and Larisa Turchinskaya.
Heptathlon Winners at Olympics
Year
|
Gold | Silver | Bronze |
---|---|---|---|
1984 | Glynis Nunn Australia |
Jackie Joyner-Kersee United States |
Sabine Everts West Germany |
1988 | Jackie Joyner-Kersee United States |
Sabine John East Germany |
Anke Behmer East Germany |
1992 | Jackie Joyner-Kersee United States |
Irina BELOVA Unified Team |
Sabine Braun Germany |
1996 | Ghada Shouaa Syria |
Natalya Sazanovich Belarus |
Denise Lewis Great Britain |
2000 | Denise Lewis Great Britain |
Yelena Prokhorova Russia |
Natalya Sazanovich Belarus |
2004 | Carolina Klüft Sweden |
Austra Skujyte Lithuania |
Kelly Sotherton Great Britain |
2008 | Natalya Dobrynska Ukraine |
Hyleas Fountain United States |
Tatyana Chernova Russia |
2012 | Jessica Ennis Great Britain |
Lilli Schwarzkopf Germany |
Tatyana Chernova Russia |
2016 | Nafissatou Thiam Belgium |
Jessica Ennis-Hill Great Britain |
Brianne Theisen-Eaton Canada |