Sprint (running)
Sprinting is running over a short distance at the top-most speed of the body in a limited period of time.
It is used in many sports that incorporate running, typically as a way of quickly reaching a target or goal, or avoiding or catching an opponent.
Human physiology dictates that a runner's near-top speed cannot be maintained for more than 30–35 seconds due to the depletion of phosphocreatine stores in muscles, and perhaps secondarily to excessive metabolic acidosis as a result of anaerobic glycolysis.
The use of starting blocks allows the sprinter to perform an enhanced isometric preload; this generates muscular pre-tension which is channeled into the subsequent forward drive, making it more powerful.
Ideally, the athlete should begin in a 4-point stance and drive forwards, pushing off using both legs for maximum force production.
[2] Athletes remain in the same lane on the running track throughout all sprinting events,[1] with the sole exception of the 400 metres indoors.
[4] The Diaulos (Δίαυλος, "double pipe") was a double-stadion race, c. 400 metres (1,300 feet), introduced in the 14th Olympiad of the ancient Olympic Games (724 BC).
[15] The stadion, also known as the stade, was the standard short distance sprint in ancient Greece and ran the length of a stadium.
[24] Sprinting spikes are typically designed to be lightweight, with a minimal cushion on the heels and a plate on the forefoot to keep the runner on the toes of each foot.
Starting blocks are a piece of equipment that typically consists of foot pads attached to a central rail.
In the rare event that there are technical issues with a start, a green card is shown to all the athletes.
If the Start referee deems the reason invalid, a yellow card (warning) is issued to that particular athlete.
"[32] The 100 m Olympic gold and silver medallist Linford Christie of Great Britain famously had frequent false starts that were marginally below the legal reaction time of 0.1 seconds.
[33] For all Olympic sprint events, runners must remain within their pre-assigned lanes, which measure 1.22 metres (4 feet) wide, from start to finish.
If the athlete is forced to run outside of his or her lane by another person, and no material advantage is gained, there will be no disqualification.
The first athlete whose torso reaches the vertical plane of the closest edge of the finish line is the winner.
To ensure that the sprinter's torso triggers the timing impulse at the finish line rather than an arm, foot, or other body parts, a double Photocell is commonly used.
While genetics play a large role in one's ability to sprint,[90][91][92] athletes must be dedicated to their training to ensure that they can optimize their performances.
Collectively, these training methods produce qualities that allow athletes to be stronger, and more powerful, in hopes of ultimately running faster.
