Introduction
As one of the most adrenaline-pumping sport competitions, relay racing is known for being an ultimate example of coordination and teamwork.
But, the concept of this now-popular race isn’t new. The hypothesis first originated in ancient Greece, where they used to pass a massage stick via a number of different couriers.
Nonetheless, now, the core idea of relay racing has changed a little.
Unlike any other racing event, four people usually participate in this one. Each participant of the group of runners will run an equal amount of distance through sprinting.
However, in this case, a runner has to run with a baton in their hands. Once they complete the distance that was predetermined, they can pass the rod along with another runner.
The runner waiting at the end of the predetermined distance can’t start running unless they’ve been provided with the baton.
The History Of Relay Racing
As mentioned before, the core design of a relay race came from a tradition of Greece. But, the first time it, or a version of it, was played in the USA was in 1883. Back then, the method of a race like this was to take over a small flag from each other before starting to run.
Although the flags were more visible, holding them and running later proved to be somewhat difficult and cumbersome. Hence, after a while, a new marker started being used for this race, a baton. The usage of the same began in the year of 1893, only ten years later.
Unlike the flag, this baton was made of plastic or wood and came with a shape or design of a hollow cylinder. It was carried by the first runner and kept being passed along with the other 3 people. The team who completed the distance while having their baton intact would win.
The History of 4×100 Meter Relay Race
4×100 meter relay racing started a little after the origination of the event. However, it wasn’t until 1912 when it got included in the Olympics. But, at this point, only men could participate in it. Relay racing for women started during the 1928 Amsterdam Olympic.
The men’s race in relay was utterly dominated by the USA. From 1912 to 1928, they went on to go victorious 15 out of 19 times. But. in both 2012 and 2016, Jamaica ended up getting the first position in the relay race event unanimously.
The History of 4×400 Meter Relay Race
Like the former, the 4×400 relay race was first introduced in the 1912 Olympics. Nonetheless, women got their opportunity to throw their legs at it during the 1972 Munich Games. A mixed relay racing event (two women and two men) was organized in Doha World Championships.
It was held in 2019.
Nevertheless, due to the popularity of the event, it carried on and found its place in the Tokyo Olympics (2020). This event, historically, has always been dominated by the USA.
Baton Passing Technique
Even though it might sound unbelievable, the act of passing a button is done through different techniques too. Here are two of the most popular options that you need to learn about –
- American Grip: In this case, one runner has to stop at a side so that they can transfer the baton by using a downward motion. This way, it becomes quite easier for the next runner to start sprinting by generating a lot of power by using the backside leg.
It is primarily used in 4x100M races.
- French Grip: With this method, you must place the baton in the other’s open hand. It, in turn, will make it easier for them to grip it and start running. In this case, the runner will mostly face the front side of the track and will start without looking back.
This is mostly used in the 4x400M races.
The Final Say!
Relay racing has been here for quite some time and many new events have cropped up with variations of the relay race for trail and overnight team runs. And, considering how popular it is, it’s going to be conducted in almost every national or international level of events.
In any case, that will be all for this article. If you want to get more information in this context, make sure to comment below.