Running, Jumping, and Throwing Quiz

Answer: High jump

Dick Fosbury was one of the most influential high jumpers in modern Olympic history. His technique, known as the "Fosbury Flop", involves the jumper clearing the bar head first and backwards. Until Fosbury introduced his unique style, most jumpers used a straddle technique, the sometimes ended in injury. Fosbury's style was completely innovative, allowed for higher jumps, and is used by almost all high jumpers today.

Answer: false

Many people have the misconception that there is a time penalty for knocking down a hurdle while running, but this is completely false. If the runner touches the hurdles it will fall over, thus slowing down the runner and elevating their time.

Answer: Javelin throw

The javelin throw is a field event that involves running and then throwing a spear/javelin for distance. A javelin is usually about 8.5 ft. (2.7 meters) in length and is a very popular field event in Nordic countries which dominated the sport throughout the 20th century.

The athlete gains momentum by running at a high rate of speed before throwing the javelin. At top speed, a thrown javelin can reach speeds of 70 mph (113 km/h).

Answer: Hammer throw

The hammer throw can be traced back thousands of years to the Celts. It has been modified through the years. This is a male-dominated sport, and it was not until 2000 that the women's hammer throw made its debut in the Olympics. This sport requires speed, strength, and good hand-eye coordination.

Answer: Bob Beamon

In 1968, Bob Beamon set a long jump record that lasted for almost 23 years (October 1968 to August 1991 when it was broken by Mike Powell at a meet in Tokyo). At the Olympics that year he broke the world record by almost two feet. When he realized what he had done, he collapsed and had to be helped to his feet.

His jump was named as one of the five greatest sports moments of the 20th century by "Sports Illustrated" magazine.

Answer: True

Athletics is a term for the competitions found in track and field events. The term also covers race walking and cross country racing. It basically refers to sports that do not involve specialized equipment, such as helmets, padding, and balls.

Answer: Baton

Relay races are about the only team events in track and field events. A tube known as a baton is transferred from on runner to the next runner. Each distance that is run by one athlete is known as a "leg". Relay races usually involve four teammates and can vary in distance from 100m to over 1000 km.

The most common distances are the 100m and the 400m relays. In the past batons were usually made of wood, but today are almost always made of hard plastic or aluminum.

Answer: Scotland

Scotland is often cited as the origin of shot put. There are records of first century competitions involving stone/weight throwing. By the Middle Ages, there were competitions involving throwing cannon balls. Throughout history, these balls, known as shots, have been made of a variety of materials. Stone, iron, and brass have been the most commonly used materials.

Answer: Chariots of Fire

Harold Abrahams was one of the first British Olympic champions of Jewish descent. His story is part of the Academy Award winning film "Chariots of Fire". Abrahams was both a sprinter and a long jumper, and was well known for his daily rigorous training program. This film gives a wonderful look into the difficulties and persistence required by an athlete to become and Olympic champion.
He won the gold medal at the 1924 Paris Olympics.

Answer: Roger Bannister

Sir Roger Bannister was the first man to run a mile in under four minutes. On May 6, 1954, at the Iffley Road Track in Oxford, England, Bannister did the impossible when he broke the four minute barrier. One of Britain's most beloved athletes, in 2012, Bannister carried the Olympic flame through this location, which is now known at Bannister stadium.