The shortest, fastest track events in athletics, contested over distances up to 400 metres from a starting block.
Origin and rules
Foot racing was central to the ancient Olympic Games at Olympia from 776 BC. Modern track sprinting was formalised in 19th-century Britain. Athletes start from blocks and accelerate as fast as possible over a measured distance.
How it plays
Olympic sprint events are the 100, 200, and 400 metres for individuals, with the 4-by-100 and 4-by-400 metre relays. Races are decided by photo finish to one-thousandth of a second, with false-start protocols disqualifying early movers.
Competition
The World Athletics Championships and the Olympic Games are the marquee events. Jamaican and American athletes have dominated short sprints, with Usain Bolt setting the standing world records of 9.58 in the 100 metres and 19.19 in the 200 metres.
Find more sports by letter
Sprinting starts with S and ends with G. Browse other sports along the same letter.
Sports that contain a letter from "Sprinting":