By Gina Hartoog

Sustainability is a buzz word at this year’s Olympic Games. While the Olympic Torch designers didn’t quite make the brief with their LPGas powered Torch, Olympic Stadium designers took the green theme to heart and reused surplus gas pipes to construct the top ring of the stadium.

The 80 000 seat stadium is situated in a large sporting complex called Olympic Park. It’s situated on London’s east side. Construction on the monster venue began in 2008 and was completed some three years later. Final preparations were done in 2011. The complex houses several major hubs for the event including the Athletes’ Village and Aquatic Centre for the swimming events. All non-road athletics events will be held at the Olympic Stadium.

Running the race

Athletics embodies everything the Olympic Games stand for – faster, higher and stronger. In this year’s installment of the famous competition, 2000 athletes will complete in 47 events, making athletics the largest single sport at the event.

Preparations for the Games start well in advance and athletes need to train their bodies and mentally prepare for the challenge. South Africa’s medal hopefuls include 2009 World Champion Caster Semenya (800m), LJ van Zyl (hurdles), SunetteViljoen (javelin) and KhotsoMokoena in the men’s long jump. 

Athletics

Started in...Ancient Egypt. Many accounts of athletic-type events are found depicted in ancient tombs. It’s considered one of the oldest sports in the world. The first Olympic Games took place in Greece in 776BC. These primitive games included running events only. Other sports were later introduced and competitors were able to show off their throwing and jumping skills.

On the track... athletes show off their speed and endurance. Track events include sprints, middle distance and long distance. Obstacles like hurdles are also used in running events. In most competitions, contenders run ‘heats’ and the fastest runners qualify for further rounds, finally making it to the final of the event.

In the field... you may get hit with a javelin. Not really... events are generally very safe, but spectators and athletes alike have been injured by miss cued throws. On a lighter note, the field programme includes hammer, discus and shot put. The jumping events are also included here – pole vaulting, long jump and high jump. Athletes also need to qualify for the final.

Hit the road... for long distance road races. Road events include long distance cross country events, marathons and walking competitions, called race walks. Long distance athletes train hard and spend many hours pounding the pavement and training in the gym. South Africa’s most famous road race is the Comrades Marathon and takes place annually every June.

Meet René

René Kalmer, a South African distance runner (over 800m to marathon), with many impressive wins behind her name, has qualified for the 2012 Olympic Games. The London Olympic Marathon is 42.2km. René will run with fellow Nedbank Running Club partner Irvette van Blerk who has also qualified.

How hard did you work to

René: It really is hard work being a distance runner. I train twice a day, seven days a week, clocking between 160 and 180km a week!

Is London only going to be about the Olympics or are you planning to let your hair down a bit?

René: The London Olympics is this year’s ultimate focus. The women’s marathon is on the third day of the athletic programme, so I have a week after I have competed to enjoy the Olympic atmosphere and everything it has to offer.

How did you get into athletics?

René: I started running when I was ten years old. I finished 42nd in a cross country race and fell in love with running, I started to train after that and improved every year. I won my first national title at the age of 15 and represented South Africa for the first time at the age of 16.

You’ve won some important races recently, including the Two Oceans Marathon. Is winning always a good feeling?

René: I appreciate every win. Last year was a roller coaster year with lots of ups and downs. Training went very well, but it didn’t reflect in my races. So I’m thrilled that this year is going so well. I couldn’t ask for a better build up in the Olympic year.

Who is your mentor?

René: My parents play a very big role in my career. They are very supportive and I’m very excited that my whole family will be at the Olympics to support me.

Take the Quiz

Got what it takes to go the distance in athletics? Let’s test your skills on shot put. Answer true or false.

1. The men’s shot weighs around 7kg.

2. Shots are pushed or put, not thrown.

3. To start a ‘put’ the participant places the shot at the edge of his/her shoulder.

4. Shot put competitors in the Olympics may use gloves.

5. The shot put circle is 2.5m wide.

All in the mix

A mix of track and field events is called a decathlon for men and a heptathlon for women. Both competitions are held over two consecutive days and test the endurance, stamina and fitness of athletes.

In the London Olympics, the decathlon consists of ten events for the men and seven for the women. Various events in track and field are included. The first day includes a 100m sprint, long jump, shot put, high jump and the 400m run. The first event on day two is a hurdles race, followed by discus, pole vaulting, javelin and the 1500m run. Points are awarded according to time, distance or performance in the different heats, and not field placing. The women’s heptathlon includes a 100m hurdles race, high jump and long jump, shot put, javelin and a 200m and 800m run. The winner of the decathlon event is usually crowned with the title of ‘The World’s Greatest Athlete’.