Hurdling is a running sport that is a part of track and field, also known as Athletics. These are featured in the Olympic Games, and World Championships and are also popularly played at colleges and schools across the US and other parts of the world. To simply describe, hurdling is the art of crossing several obstacles or hurdles that are placed at a measured distance on a track. The athlete has to cover a certain distance while running and jumping over the hurdles in a timed race. An average hurdle race varies from 110 meters for males and 100 meters for females.
CHALLENGES OF TRACK HURDLES FACED BY ATHLETES
Mastering hurdling techniques
Hurdling requires much more than just jumping and running on a track. For this track and field activity, you need to perfect your technique which includes being consistent and changing from running to jumping over and over again. This is also essential to prevent injuries from falling or hurting yourself while crossing the hurdles.
Physical challenges of hurdling
While this is a given – since all track and field sports require athletes to be physically fit, hurdling requires sustaining an ideal body weight, top speed, and flexibility to jump over the various obstacles. This is because hurdling involves maintaining a steady speed while sprinting and jumping over a series of barriers at a timed distance.
Managing the set time
Just like in life and its many aspects, time management is a crucial quality that one should master. This is done by practicing and handling multiple tasks at the same time effectively. In hurdling, an athlete performs different movements while covering a set distance. It is best to practice timing yourself and working on improving your speed.
Mental challenges of hurdling
The hurdles do not just take up physical energy but also mental energy. Athletes must possess resilience and remain steadfast while hurdling. This requires being mentally fit and having the confidence to jump the hurdles till the end of the track. This is a beneficial quality that is helpful in other parts of life. Having a good amount of mental strength is a winning attribute for great athletes.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT HURDLING
Q. How many hurdles are there in a hurdling race?
There are 10 hurdles in typical hurdle races of 100 meters, 110 meters, and 400 meters.
Q. What skill is required in hurdling?
Running with controlled speed over the hurdles is the most important part of mastering hurdling.
Q. How high are girls’ hurdles?
The hurdle races for females start from 100 meters.
Q. What are the obstacles used in hurdling called?
Obstacles known as hurdles are placed at a measured distance in hurdling races.
Q. What are hurdles events?
Hurdle events range from the indoor 60-meter race to outdoor 100-meter, 110-meter, and 400-meter races.
Author’s opinion
Hurdling is a fitness sport that is beginner-friendly although difficult to master. As we have looked into the challenges faced by athletes during hurdle races, I have learned that these are some of the most important life lessons one can experience and learn from. You can engage in this solo sport for its amazing benefits or play professionally in some of the top racing competitions!
