Here’s a simple breakdown of what makes an athletics track fast:
What Makes an Athletics Track Quick?
At first glance, all athletics tracks might look similar, but they’re not all the same. For instance, the track at the Stade de France in Paris, which will be used in the upcoming Olympic Games, is a striking purple color. This track is not just for show; it’s designed to be faster than previous tracks, being 2% quicker than the one used in Tokyo 2020.
The track is made by the Mondo Group, which has been making Olympic tracks since 1976. The Paris track has a special rubber surface with two layers. The bottom layer has honeycomb cells that absorb the impact when you run and then give back energy to help you push off the ground.
Tracks have come a long way since the 1950s, when Sir Roger Bannister ran the first sub-four-minute mile on a cinder track. Cinder tracks were better than dirt or grass but could get muddy and dirty. In 1968, tracks changed to polyurethane, which handled rain better.
Today’s tracks are often made from either polyurethane or rubber. Rubber tracks are assembled in pieces, which makes them easier to install in rainy places. Polyurethane tracks are mixed on-site.
Modern tracks need to balance being both hard and soft. They must be hard enough to let runners move quickly but soft enough to absorb shock and reduce injury risk. Engineers adjust the track’s materials to get this balance right.
The latest innovation is using eco-friendly materials. The Paris track is made from 50% recycled materials. The goal is to make tracks faster, safer, and more sustainable.
This update is significant not only for performance but also for the environmental impact of sports infrastructure. So, whether it’s a bright purple or another color, the future of tracks is heading towards being greener and faster, as highlighted by BBC.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crg4d5vn0n0o