Inducted into the Olympics in 1984 Los Angeles Summer Games, heptathlon consists of seven events which are 100 meter hurdles, High jump, Shot put, 200 meter event, Long jump, Javelin throw and 800 meter event. Three of these events are track while four are field. For emerging at top in the heptathlon, the athlete need not top score in all the competitions. She should have accumulated the most number of points collectively in all the events.
Rules and Regulations
Heptathlon was recognized by the International Association of Athletics Federations or IAAF in 1981. In Olympics, rules framed by the IAAF are followed.
- Two events usually have the interval of 30 minutes between them.
- Metric system is used for measuring the distance in high jump, long jump, javelin throw and shot put.
- In the track events, IAAF approved devices are used for measurement of time.
- The athletes are prohibited from obstructing their competitors during the event. For the offence, she could be punished in two ways. For minor offence her points could be deducted and for a major offence she could even be disqualified.
- Starting height in high jump and pole vault is determined by the International Association of Athletics Federations or the IAAF.
- Three chances are given to the athletes in the events of javelin throw, long jump, high jump and shot put.
- It is mandatory for the athletes to participate in all seven events of heptathlon. If they miss even a single event, he is out of the competition.
- The athlete who has accumulated highest number of points collectively in all the events is the winner.
Top Performers
Women athletes who have excelled at the Olympics in heptathlon event are Ramona Neubert, Ghada Shouaa, Irina Belova, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Denise Lewis, Natallia Sazanovich Sabine Braun, Anke Behmer, Natalya Shubenkova, Eunice Barber, Carolina Kluft and Larisa Turchinskaya.