Long jump

The long jump is a track and field event that tests an athlete's speed, strength, and agility. Competitors attempt to leap as far as possible from a specific takeoff point into a landing area. Along with the triple jump, this event is categorized as one of the "horizontal jumps." It is a sport that requires precise timing and intense physical control. Athletes must balance the need for high velocity with the technical skill required to jump without committing a foul.

Executing a successful jump involves a sequence of five distinct phases. The first phase is the approach run, where the athlete accelerates to a maximum controlled speed. This velocity is vital because the speed at takeoff determines the distance of the trajectory. The second phase involves the last two strides, which prepare the body for the leap. The penultimate step is longer than the others to lower the athlete's center of gravity. The third phase is the takeoff, where the athlete creates a vertical impulse. The fourth phase is the action in the air, and the final phase is the landing.

Takeoff is one of the most technical parts of the entire process. Athletes must place their foot flat on the board to avoid injury or loss of speed. Taking off on the heels can create a braking effect that decreases velocity. Conversely, jumping off the toes can decrease stability and cause the leg to buckle. There are several styles used to achieve a successful takeoff. The double-arm style uses vertical arm movements to increase hip height. The kick style involves cycling the leg to create a large distance. Other methods include the power sprint or bounding takeoff and the sprint takeoff.

The long jump has roots reaching back to the ancient Olympic Games in Greece. It was the only jumping event in the original pentathlon. Historians believe the event may have trained soldiers to cross obstacles like ravines or streams. Ancient athletes used weights called halteres, which weighed between 1 and 4.5 kg. They swung these weights to increase their momentum during the jump. Unlike modern jumpers, ancient athletes used a short running start. They landed in a dug-up area known as a skamma rather than a sand pit.

Modern competition follows strict rules to ensure fairness and accuracy. At elite levels, athletes run on an all-weather track made of crumb or vulcanized rubber. The takeoff board is 20 centimeters, or eight inches, wide. If any part of the foot crosses the foul line, the jump is declared a foul. Officials use plasticine, or a layer of modeling clay, to detect these fouls. Recent elite competitions, such as Diamond League meetings, now use camera technology and laser sensors.

Competition formats vary depending on the level of the meet. In many events, each competitor receives three initial trials. At large competitions, the best eight or nine performers receive three additional jumps. At the 2025 World Championships, World Athletics introduced a new procedure for the final. The top ten athletes received a fourth attempt, the next eight received a fifth, and the top six received a sixth. The winner is the athlete with the longest valid jump recorded. If there is an exact tie, officials compare the next best jumps to determine the winner.

The long jump has been part of the modern Olympics for men since 1896. Women began competing in the Olympic event in 1948. Because speed is a fundamental requirement, many successful long jumpers are also elite sprinters. Famous examples of this athletic doubling include Carl Lewis and Heike Drechsler. The sport remains a highly technical discipline that connects sprinting mechanics with explosive jumping power.