While the earliest evidence of organized running can be traced back to Egypt in 3800 BCE, the modern sport of track and field evolved from rural games and church and folk festivals, and rules were drawn up in the final quarter of the 19th century in those advanced societies where enough people had the leisure time to indulge their fancies. Today, in addition to the running events, track and field includes such events as the high jump, pole vault, long jump, shot, discus, javelin, hammer, and decathlon. The Historical Dictionary of Track and Field covers the history of this sport through a chronology, an introductory essay, appendixes, and an extensive bibliography. The dictionary section has over 500 cross-referenced entries on key figures, places, competitions, and governing bodies within the sport. This book is an excellent access point for researchers, students, and anyone wanting to know more about the history of track and field.

About the Author
Peter Matthews is a world-renowned expert on track and field athletics. He has been an athletics broadcaster on TV and radio for more than 35 years, working primarily for BBC Radio 1975-85, ITV 1985-97, and for the IAAF from 1991. He has covered nearly all the major meetings in Great Britain and worldwide over the past 40 years. He has been a leading public address announcer since 1968, and he was Media Information Manager for Track and Field Athletics at the Olympic Games in Atlanta 1996 and worked at his seventh Olympics for the Sydney Organizing Committee in 2000.

Reviews
A new addition to the "Historical Dictionaries of Sports" series, this reference provides over 500 cross-referenced entries in alphabetical order; eight appendixes covering world records, Olympic winners, associations, and more; and a 17-page bibliography for further research. Entries are featured on Adidas, NIKE, Bruce Jenner, Jim Thorpe, and many other topics, including the IAAF World Athletes of the Year and various associations. Published during the same year as the London Olympics, this volume covers recent events involving key figures in track and field, governing bodies, and competitions/venues for sports such as pole vault, sprint, shot put, and relay, along with subjects such as political protests and doping. Anyone wanting to know more about track and field may obtain a good background here because this volume also deals with historical origins, especially in the introduction and chronology. Matthews has covered track and field (mostly for the BBC) for over 35 years. He also edits the International Athletics Annual and has reported on many Olympic Games. This reference will be an excellent addition to academic and public library collections. Summing Up: Recommended. * CHOICE *
This dictionary is well written and thorough....The author has successfully presented their track and field knowledge and research to produce a well-written and comprehensive text. Individuals that are interested in any aspect of the track and field are likely to find this text to be informative. * American Reference Books Annual *



Book Information
ISBN 9780810867819
Author Peter Matthews
Format Hardback
Page Count 350
Imprint Scarecrow Press
Publisher Scarecrow Press
Weight(grams) 676g
Dimensions(mm) 236mm * 160mm * 28mm