Debut in Olympics
The 800 meter event debuted in the Olympics at the 1928 Amsterdam Summer Games. Thereafter, the event has been played regularly in the Olympics.
Rules
International Association of Athletics Federations or IAAF has standardized the rules of the games. In the Olympics, the rules set by the IAAF are followed.
- The time taken by the athletes in the races is measured by an automatic timing device approved by the IAAF.
- Any runner found obstructing her competitors' way on the track faces disqualification.
- The runners are not permitted to run inside the inner curve of the track.
- The length of the track used for the track events during the Olympics and the width of each lane on the track are specified by the IAAF.
- The radius of the outermost lane of the running track has been set by the IAAF to maximum 50 meter.
- A runner leaving the track during the race is considered to be out of the event.
- The runner is not given any credit until she finishes the race.
- Preliminary heats are organized for the selection of the athletes in the next round. Participation in the heats is must for all athletes.
- Stepping on the inner line of the track is not allowed
- Any athlete with two false starts in the race attracts instant disqualification.
The 800 meter sprint event demands great physical stamina and physical tenacity. Only the capacity to run fast does not work here. The sprinters required special training and condition to excel in the event. They have to think constantly and control their speed. Only thinking athletes are able to compete well in the event.
Great Sprinters
Well-known sprinters in 800 meter sprint for women are Jolanda Ceplak, Maria Mutola, Doina Melinte, Tatyana Kazankina, Sigrun Grau, Ana Fidelia Quirot, Nadezhda Olizarenko, Olga Mineyeva, Lina Radke, Lyudmila Shevtsova, Ann Packer, Christine Wachtel, Jarmila Kratochvilova, and Madeline Manning.
