Athletics encompasses a diverse range of sporting events that include competitive running, jumping, throwing, and walking. It is one of the most accessible sports globally, featuring popular competitions such as track and field, road running, cross country running, and race walking.
In athletics, results are determined by finishing positions in races or by measuring distances in jumps and throws. The simplicity of the events and the minimal need for expensive equipment make athletics widely participated in across all ages and skill levels. While athletics is predominantly an individual sport, relay races and team competitions, such as cross country, foster collaboration among athletes.
The roots of organized athletics can be traced back to the Ancient Olympic Games in 776 BC.