Broad jump

Broad Jump is a track and field event where athletes combine speed, strength, and agility in an attempt to leap as far as possible from a take-off point. This event has a history in the Olympic Games and is also commonly seen in high school and college track and field events. The broad jump is also known as the long jump.

History

The broad jump has been a modern Olympic event since 1896 for men and since 1948 for women. The event has a much longer history, however, dating back to the ancient Greek Olympics, where it was one of the included events in the pentathlon.

Technique

The broad jump consists of four main parts: the approach run, the last two strides, takeoff and action in the air, and landing. Athletes sprint down a runway before leaping as far as they can into a sandpit from a wooden take-off board. The distance jumped is measured from the edge of the board to the closest impression in the sand made by any part of the body.

Records

The world record for the men's broad jump is held by Mike Powell, who jumped 8.95 meters in 1991. The women's world record holder is Galina Chistyakova of the former Soviet Union, who jumped 7.52 meters in 1988.

Training

Training for the broad jump often involves building strength, speed, and flexibility. Athletes may use weight training to build the necessary strength, while sprint training and flexibility exercises can help with the approach and takeoff.

See also

• Triple jump
• High jump
• Pole vault