Long jump

File:Women's Long Jump Final - 28th Summer Universiade 2015.webm

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Wind indicator in long jump area at TNT - Fortuna Meeting in Kladno 16June2010 118

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Halteres from ancient Greece

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Women heptathlon LJ French Athletics Championships 2013 t144221

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Long jump takeoff board

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Carlos Chinin decathlon

Long jump is a track and field event in which athletes combine speed, strength, and agility in an attempt to leap as far as possible from a takeoff point. This event has a rich history, dating back to the ancient Olympic Games in Greece, making it one of the oldest track and field events. The objective is straightforward: jumpers run up to a takeoff board and leap into a sandpit, with the distance measured from the edge of the board to the closest indentation in the sand made by the athlete.

History

The origins of the long jump can be traced back to the ancient Olympic Games, where it was one of the five events in the pentathlon, a competition featured in the Olympics of ancient Greece. The technique and equipment have evolved significantly since those times. In the early days, jumpers used weights called halteres to propel themselves further, a practice not used in modern long jumping.

Technique

The long jump technique can be broken down into four main phases: the approach run, the takeoff, the flight, and the landing.

Approach Run

The approach run is crucial for building speed and setting up the correct position for takeoff. Athletes typically run between 20 to 40 meters, depending on their own speed and strength. The goal is to achieve maximum velocity without losing control.

Takeoff

The takeoff is executed from a board, and it is critical that the athlete does not overstep this board, as doing so would result in a foul. The takeoff involves a rapid transition from horizontal to vertical velocity, with the athlete using their strongest leg to push off.

Flight

During the flight phase, athletes employ techniques such as the "hang," "sail," or "hitch-kick" to maintain airtime and prepare for landing. Each technique has its own advantages and is chosen based on the athlete's strengths and preferences.

Landing

The landing is the final phase, where athletes aim to fall forward to gain extra distance and ensure that the back foot does not drag and reduce the measured jump. Proper technique is crucial to prevent injury.

Rules and Regulations

The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) sets the rules for the long jump. These include regulations on the size of the takeoff board, the length of the run-up, and how jumps are measured. A jump is considered a foul if the athlete steps beyond the takeoff board, takes off from outside the designated lane, or falls back into the takeoff pit.

Training

Training for the long jump involves a mix of speed work, technical drills, strength training, and plyometrics. Athletes work on improving their run-up speed, takeoff technique, in-air form, and landing, along with general physical conditioning.

Notable Athletes

Many athletes have made their mark in the long jump through the years. Bob Beamon's extraordinary jump at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics set a world record that stood for almost 23 years. Carl Lewis is another notable long jumper, winning four consecutive Olympic gold medals from 1984 to 1996. On the women's side, Galina Chistyakova holds the women's world record for the longest jump.

Competitions

The long jump is a staple event in track and field competitions, including the Olympic Games, the World Athletics Championships, and other regional and national championships.