Hurdling

track and field · speed · jumping · obstacles

Super Fast Sprinting. Hurdlers run at top speed while jumping over barriers, combining sprinting with gymnastics-like leaps to stay as fast as possible.

Precise Spacing. The hurdles are set at exact heights and distances that change depending on the race, so athletes train for different step patterns to hit each jump perfectly.

Different Step Counts. Athletes use 3 steps between hurdles in high hurdle races, 7 steps in low hurdle races, and 15 steps in intermediate races to time their jumps just right.

One Touch Rule. If you accidentally knock over a hurdle or try to sneak under one, you're disqualified from the race, so every jump has to be clean and over the top.

Modern vs. Old. Long ago, hurdlers would land on both feet and slow down between each hurdle, but now they use smooth, fast techniques to barely break their sprinting stride.