Athletics At The Summer Olympics – Heptathlon

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