Olympics Racing Results

Since the first Olympic Games in 1896, racing has been an integral part of the event. The racing competitions are categorized under the heading of athletics. A number of racing events are a staple at every Olympic Games held till now. There are restrictions on racing sports that involve motorized vehicles. This is why auto racing and motorbike racing are not allowed. Only running events are eligible to be held at the Olympic Games. Road running and race walking events are held at every edition. Cross country running was allowed for only one edition of the Summer Olympics, back in 1924.

Origins

Ever since the modern Olympic Games were initiated, racing has been a part of them. The best runners from across the world use the stage to show their speed and skill. A number of world records have been created and shattered over the years. There have been no Olympic Games without racing events. In the Winter Olympics, different winter sports involving racing are held including sled racing, skiing and ice skating. Racing is a popular discipline and people like to watch athletes challenge their bodies to generate speed to complete the race before their competitors.

Winners and Records

Over the years, many countries have sent their athletes to the Olympic Games to compete in the different racing events. 92 nations have won a combined total of over 2,500 medals in athletics events, a majority of which are racing events. The US is the dominant country and has won four times as many medals as the other countries.

Types of Races

The different racing events held in the Olympic Games can be broken down into seven types of races. They are:

Sprint

Sprints are running events, involving races over short distances. Races are among the oldest sporting competitions. Sprint races are a common feature of the Summer Olympics. There are three types of spring races held at the Olympic Games, each over different lengths. The shortest race is at a distance of 100 metres and the other races have a length of 200 and 400 metres.

Middle Distance

Middle distance races are longer in length than sprints. Middle distance races are also highly popular among viewers. It requires more endurance than a sprint, which is based primarily on speed. Middle distance races range from 500 metres to 3,000 metres. At the Olympic Games, there are two middle distance running events, spanning 800 and 1,500 metres.

Long Distance

Long distance races are above 3,000 metres with no upper limit. Long distance races prove to be the ultimate test of the endurance of a runner. There are two long distance races contested at the Olympics, the 5,000 metre and 10,000 metre races.

Hurdling

Hurdling is similar to the track races but there are obstacles in the route the runners have to jump over without touching or falling over. A normal hurdle race is 110 metres for men and 100 metres for women. A long distance hurdle race is of a 400 metre length.

Steeplechase

Steeplechase is a long distance running event with obstacles in the way. There are four normal obstacles and a water hurdle the runners have to go over to complete the race. The standard length for a steeplechase race is 3,000 metres for both men and women.

Relay

Relay is a team racing event, in which four members of a team have to pass a baton from one to the other. The first runner passes the baton to the second and so on. The fourth runner completes the race by running the last length of the race. There are two relay events at the Olympic Games, the 4 x 100 metres and the 4 x 400 metres. Each runner has to run the same length.

Racewalking

Racewalking is different than normal races. The rules state that one foot of the runner must be on the ground at all times. This means that he cannot lift the toes of his right foot till his left heel is grounded. Race walking is a long racing event, with distances of 20 and 50 km at the Olympic Games. It is a physically gruelling event and tests the endurance of the runners.

Betting on Olympics Racing Results

As you can see, there are a variety of Olympic racing events. Athletics are popular, especially with the recent surge in fame because of the increased television exposure. This is why racing events at the Olympics have become a viable betting market for people looking to make money through sports. You have the option of placing bets through the licensed bookmakers’. You can visit their agency to register your bets or log on to their website. The totalisator agency board also updates the Olympics racing results in real time and you can bet your money on them.