Long Jump

The long jump is one of the oldest track and field events in existence today. The event originated in ancient Greece. At this point in time the jumpers ran and jumped with weights in their hand. This premise behind this was to propel the runner forward if the weights were let go at the right time. The long jump technique has evolved over the years to the combination running and jumping event that we have today.

The long jump is a combination running and jumping event. The competitors run down a concourse to gain momentum. The run to starting point and launch. The object of the long jump is of course to gain the greatest amount of distance.

The long jump is a sport that many sprinters do. Carl Lewis was famous for running the 100 meters race. However, many do not realize that he won 4 gold medals in consecutive Olympics for the long jump. Jesse Owens was another famous runner that was also competitive in the long jump.

The training for the long jump can be quite complex. It involves running and weights. Plyometric drills and agility training are also needed to perform the long jump well. There has to be a balance between the training areas. Building up to much muscle tissue can actually take away from the long jumper’s performance. To much speed training can wear the jumper down and destroy muscle tissue.

Anyone with Olympic dreams of doing the long jump should start training young. Some start as young as 6 or 7 years old. This gives the body time to grow into the moves required. Anyone who just has a keen interest in the long jump is still encouraged to participate. Winning a gold medal may not be on the cards but the overall health benefits as well as the mental lessons in discipline will be beneficial.

The long jump is one of the oldest track and field events in existence today. It combines speed, strength and agility for a top performance. The long jump is a great sport to combine with sprinting. Some of the world’s best sprinters have also been great long jumpers. For those interested, get started young. However, anyone of any age can take some good lessons from learning the long jump.