Long Jump

Long jump is one of the oldest disciplines in athletics, combining both track and field characteristics. In this sport, athletes sprint over a designated distance to build up speed and then leap as far as possible into a sandpit. The jump distance is measured from the point where the athlete’s body first makes contact with the sand. Long jump is not only a test of physical strength but also emphasizes technical precision, coordination, balance, and mental focus.

The origins of long jump date back to ancient Greece. It was included as part of the pentathlon at the Olympic Games held in 708 BCE. Unlike ancient athletes, modern long jumpers do not carry weights in their hands. By the mid-19th century, long jump had become recognized as a distinct discipline within organized modern athletics. It was first included as an Olympic event for men at the 1896 Athens Olympics; women’s long jump was added to the program at the 1948 London Olympics.

1. Approach Run: The athlete accelerates over a 30 to 45 meter runway to achieve maximum speed before reaching the takeoff board. This phase aims for rhythmic and controlled steps to generate high speed and optimal positioning.

2. Takeoff: The jump is executed from a takeoff board 20 centimeters wide. If the athlete’s foot extends beyond the front edge of the board or fails to make full contact with it, the jump is ruled a foul. Explosive force is applied to leap vertically and forward.

3. Flight: The athlete aims to maximize distance by maintaining balance and body position in the air. The main techniques used are:

• Hang: The body is held in a reclined position to maintain balance.
• Sail: The legs are swung forward sequentially.
• Hitch-Kick: The athlete mimics running motions in the air to preserve balance.

4. Landing: The landing plays a critical role in long jump performance. The athlete pulls the knees toward the chest and extends the arms forward to prevent backward fall. The point where the body first touches the sand determines the measured distance.

• Approach Runway: 40 meters long and 1.22 meters wide.
• Takeoff Board: Typically white; oversteps are marked by a plasticine strip.
• Sand Pit: At least 9 meters long and filled with river sand to ensure a soft landing.

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• If the athlete steps beyond the front edge of the takeoff board, the jump is ruled a foul.
• Distance is measured from the point where the athlete’s body first contacts the sand.
• If tailwind exceeds +2.0 m/s, the jump is not eligible for record status.
• Each athlete typically has three or six attempts; the best valid distance determines the ranking.

• Spiked Shoes: Enhance grip on the runway to maintain speed and balance.
• Takeoff Board and Plasticine Strip: Define the correct takeoff point and detect fouls.
• Sand Pit: Reduces the risk of injury.
• Anemometer: Measures wind speed during the jump.

• Men: Mike Powell^【1】 (USA) – 8.95 metres (Tokyo, 1991)
• Women: Galina Chistyakova^【2】 (USSR) – 7.52 metres (Leningrad, 1988)

Today, long jump continues to be featured in prestigious competitions such as the Olympics and World Championships. Thanks to technology-assisted training programs, video analysis systems, and biomechanical studies, athletes’ technical proficiency has improved and jump distances have increased.