Track-and-field is a collection of athletic competitions that test speed, strength, jumping ability, and throwing power. The name comes from where the events happen: running races take place on an oval track, while jumping and throwing events happen on the grass field inside or near it.

Track events include sprints like the 100-meter dash, middle-distance races like the 800 meters, and long-distance runs like the 5,000 meters. Athletes also compete in relay races, where teammates take turns running while passing a baton. Hurdle races add the challenge of jumping over barriers while running at full speed.

Field events test different skills. In the long jump and triple jump, athletes sprint down a runway and leap as far as possible into a sand pit. The high jump and pole vault challenge competitors to clear a bar set at increasing heights. Throwing events include the shot put (heaving a heavy metal ball), discus (spinning and releasing a flat disc), javelin (hurling a spear-like pole), and hammer throw (whirling and launching a heavy ball on a chain).

Track-and-field has ancient roots: the original Olympic Games in Greece featured footraces and throwing competitions. Today it remains central to the modern Olympics, where the world's fastest runners, highest jumpers, and strongest throwers compete for gold medals.