One of the most popular Olympic sports is athletics. It combines many different disciplines, including running competitions.
Who is a sprinter
Sprint is a cyclic kind of running, which requires a significant manifestation of speed endurance. Thus, a sprinter is an athlete who overcomes a short distance at the highest possible speed. The load in this run is anaerobic, and if in other runs the source of energy is glucose or fat, then it is creatine. This is due to excessive stress.
A special speed endurance is required from the athlete, since it is necessary to give all the best in full and immediately. Therefore, the sprint requires maximum physical fitness, like any other sport. Track and field athletics, running a short distance in particular, is a powerful strength exercise that has a strong effect on all ongoing processes in the human body.
Sprint Run Features
Due to the specifics of the loads, the sprint has certain characteristics and effects on the athlete's body. Firstly, it contributes to the development of strength, endurance, has a positive effect on muscle tone, cardiac and pulmonary system. We can say that the general well-being of a person improves and health improves. Secondly, sprinting is an effective stimulator of fat burning. In this case, there is no burning of muscle mass, but on the contrary, the skeletal muscles of the lower body are built up.
However, with all the positive aspects, the so-called smooth run is rather traumatic and technically difficult. Therefore, it is not recommended to start with this particular species. Sprinter is an experienced athlete, previously prepared by trial training for heavier loads. Preparation is associated not only with speed tests, but also with other athletics exercises.
Sprint distances. 100 meter run
Distinguish the lengths of the segments that sprinters overcome. There are distances from 30 to 400 meters:
- 30 meters. It is carried out indoors, the race lasts up to five seconds, which requires a good starting reaction.
- 100 meters. Refers to official distances in open stadiums.
- 200 meters. It can take place both in summer and in winter stadiums. The competition consists in passing a curve, and after that a straight section.
- 400 meters. It is considered a long sprint, it requires special endurance and the ability to enter turns without reducing speed.
The most popular and prestigious discipline is running 100 meters. She has been in the program of the Olympic Games since its inception. Competitions are held in summer stadiums, with a straight section of the track is 400 meters. This discipline is a race from the start line to the finish line at a hundred-meter distance.
Running technique
Sprint includes four phases: start, start-up, direct distance run, finish. As for the start, the sprint race uses a low start. This makes it possible to quickly start and develop the fastest speed, as well as maintain it for a long time.
A sprinter is a runner who must be concentrated and in good shape throughout the short run of the distance.
A solid support in the form of a starting machine and pads is used for repulsion. They also guarantee the stability and stability of the legs. The next step is the starting run. In this phase, it is very important to achieve the speed closest to maximum.
Achieving high speed when running over the entire distance is due to a longer stride, as well as a high pace. Increase the stride length with powerful repulsion. Maximum speed must be maintained until the end of the race. The race is considered completed when the sprinter athlete touches the body of a vertical plane. To avoid reducing the result, the runner should not make a jump until overcoming the finish line.
Competition preparation
Before the competition, athletes undergo thorough training. It includes theoretical, integral, tactical, strength training, as well as the training of mental stability. Knowledge of the theory of this discipline is ahead of any practical activity. The athlete must possess all the subtleties, analysis of training methods and means.
The physical strength of the athlete, his endurance and a stable central nervous system are also very important. Therefore, runners regularly perform various strength and cardio exercises, constantly improve their strength capabilities. It is equally important to eat and relax.
Sprinter is a person with the most powerful volitional qualities, endurance and self-control. This necessitates the formation of a stable psyche of the athlete. A holistic attitude in preparing for the competition is also very important. This defines an integrated approach and reproduction of acquired knowledge in various ways.
Competition Rules
A huge number of athletes take part in competitions in such a sport as athletics. Short-distance running is the discipline with the most participants. Therefore, the selection is carried out in several circles. The correct implementation of all stages of the sprint race is very important. The stadiums of official competitions are equipped with an automatic temporary registration system, as well as a photo finish.
If the weather is windy, then the associated wind component is taken into account, since it can greatly facilitate the athlete’s task. Pads from which athletes start are equipped with a device that determines the reaction time of the runner. The need for such automation is due to the problem of false start, which may be the cause of subjective decision-making by judges.
Photo finish determines the order of arrival of athletes. The winner is the one whose body first crosses the finish plane. Its image in the automatic timing system accurately determines the time that separates athletes.