History of Race Walking

History of Race Walking

"Race Walking is a long-distance footrace" where the competitors "must walk and not run." (Athletics: History of Race Walking, 2001) In this competitive sport there is a rule known as the "Straight Leg Rule", which means the moment the lead foot is place on the ground until the leg passes under the center of the body, the knee is not allowed to bend. (Athletics: History of Race Walking, 2001) Athletes are penalized for bending their knees while the knee passes under the body or when one of their feet aren't touching the ground; which is why form and technique is very important in this sport.

Walking competitions began in England somewhere around 400 years ago. It originated because as aristocrats traveled between towns they'd often bring footmen to walk beside their coaches. (Athletics: History of Race Walking, 2001) Those aristocrats eventually pitted their footmen against those of other aristocrats and wagered on the results, with races frequently going 100 miles or more over several days. By the 19th Century, walking races between towns were extremely popular.

Race walking came to the Olympics in 1904 when an 880-yard walk was a part of the 10-event "all-around" competition that eventually became into the decathlon. There was a 3000-meter race walk in the unofficial 1906 Games, then race walking made its official debut in 1908 with 3500-meter and 10-mile events. Walking events have always taken place at several distances; the 50-kilometer race walk became an Olympic event in 1932; the 20-kilometer men's event replaced the 10-kilometer walk in 1956. (Athletics: History of Race Walking, 2001)

Pre-Olympic race walkers used the "fair heel and toe rule" to differentiate walking from running. Early Olympic rules were more specific, requiring a participant's knees to be straight at some point during each stride. The rules have been tweaked over the years and currently require the competitor's front foot to be on the ground when the rear foot is raised. Additionally, the front leg has to straighten when it makes contact with the ground. Current race walkers also display more fluid form, which leads to significantly reduced race times.

During the early part of the 20th century, race walking failed to develop popularity in the United States. While American race walkers enjoyed success in the 1920