800 meters
Rules
The 800 meters is the shortest of the average distances in the athletics competition program. Athletes in the 800-meter race start running from separate starting positions and from a high start. Where the first turn ends (115 meters), runners must enter the common track and walk along it for the rest of the distance. At major competitions such as the World Championships, European Championships and the Olympic Games, 800-meter running competitions are held in three rounds (less often in two rounds), according to the rules and depending on the number of participants.
History
Middle-distance running existed back in the ancient Olympic Games and was revived in the middle of the 19th century. It has been an Olympic athletics discipline for men since 1896 and for women since 1928.
Interesting facts
Cuban Alberto Juantorena, nicknamed White Lightning, is the only person who has won the 400m and 800m distances. at the same Games in Montreal in 1976.
Records
In open stadiums. Men: David Rudisha 1.40,91 p. London, UK 2012. Women: Yarmila Kratokhvilova 1.53,28 p. Munich Germany 1983
Indoors. Men: Wilson Kipketer 1.42.67 s. Paris, France in 1997. Women: Yolanda Cheplak 1.55,82 p. Vienna Austria 2002.
