Debut
The 10000 meter sprint in Olympics has been the part of Olympics since the 1912 Stockholm Summer Games. After Stockholm Olympics, the event has appeared in every summer game.
Dominating Country
The sprinters from Finland and the African countries have been the limelight in the 10000 meter race. Till the 1960s the athletes from Finland won most medals. However, after that, athletes from African countries caught them up.
Rules and Regulations
- All the events must be held on track and lane as the rules set by the International Association of Athletes Federation (IAAF).
- An IAAF approved automatic watch has to be used for measuring the time.
- If a runner does not reach the finishing line, he will not be given any credit. Even if he has performed better than other athletes out in the middle, he will lose.
- The participants are allowed to use spiked shoes. The tracks are made of such substance which can deal with spiked shoes.
- The IAAF has specified the radius of the outside lane of the track. It should not be more than 50 meter.
- A sprinter will be disqualified if he commits two consecutive mistakes.
- If an athlete is found guilty of obstructing other athletes, he will attract punishment in the form of disqualification.
- Preliminary heat events will be organized if the number of athletes exceeds twelve.
Athletes who have done well in this format of athletics are Ilmari Salminen, Emil Zatopek, Vladimir Kuts, Pyotr Bolotnikov, Paavo Nurmi, Ville Ritola, Janusz Kusocinski, Brahim Boutayeb, Billy Mills, Naftali Temu, Lasse Viren, Miruts Yifter, Alberto Cova, Hannes Kolehmainen, and Khalid Skah.
