Race Walk FAQ


Questions?

-What is an Olympic Standard?

-Is Race walking a Sport?

-How is Race Walking Judged?

-How fast do Racewalkers walk?

-What exactly is Race Walking?


Drake University USATF Outdoor Nationals, 2010
Outdoor Nationals, Iowa, 6/2010

Q:What is an Olympic Standard?

A: Olympic standards are qualifying marks set by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). In order for an athlete to compete at the Olympic Games they must have achieved and Olympic Standard. There are two types of standards, designated “A” and “B”. In track and field each country can send up to three athletes in any event.

In order to send 3 athletes, all athletes must have achieved an A standard in a sanctioned meet. If only two athletes have met the Olympic A standard then that country can only send two athletes. If only one athlete has achieved an A standard then only one athlete can compete. If no athletes have an A standard, or only one athlete has an A standard, then the fast finisher at Olympic Trials with either an A or B standard makes the Olympic Team.

For race walk an Olympic A Standard is 1:33:30.0 and a B standard is 1:38:00.0. ...achieving the A does not guarantee making the team; you still have to win Olympic Trials, ...Yes, it is a rather complicated system.     Maria Michta, www.mariamichta.com

 

Q: Is Race walking a Sport?

A: Racewalking is an "event" within the sport of Track & Field which is governed by the IAAF, the body that produces the Olympics and World Championships in Track and Field. It is a recognized event within the Olympic Games, the World Track & Field Championships, the Pan American Games, and numerous national championships.

 

Q: How is Race Walking Judged?

A: Race walking competitions are judged by the human eye not camera or slow motion video. The judges ensure that two rules are followed; Creeping is failing to keep the knee straight. Lifting is loss of contact by both feet at the same time. A race walker may be given a warning or may be disqualified during the race for violating either rule.

.

Q: How fast do Racewalkers walk?

A: The best male race walkers can walk a 20k (12.4 miles) at a rate of about 6:12 per mile and 50k (31.1 miles) at a rate of 6:55 per mile.

 

Q: What exactly is Race Walking?

A: Racewalking is a progression of steps so taken that the walker makes contact with the ground so that no visible (to the human eye) loss of contact occurs.

This is what differentiates racewalking from running. It means that there is a moment when the heel of the front foot and the toe of the rear foot appear to be in contact with the ground at the same time. Before the racewalker takes the rear foot off the ground, their front heel must make contact with the ground. Contact with the ground appears (to the human eye) to be maintained at all times.