Olympic Athletics Race Walk

Race walking is a long-distance athletic event. Although it is a foot race, it is different from running in that one foot must appear to be in contact with the ground at all times. There are two rules that govern race walking. The first dictates that the athlete's back toe cannot leave the ground until the heel of the front foot has touched. Violation of this rule is known as loss of contact. The second rule requires that the supporting leg must straighten from the point of contact with the ground and remain straightened until the body passes directly over it.

Race walking entered the Olympics in 1904 when an 880-yard walk was a part of the 10-event “all-around” competition that eventually morphed into the decathlon. There was a 3000-meter race walk in the unofficial 1906 Games, then race walking made its official Olympic debut in 1908 with 3500-meter and 10-mile events (both won by Great Britain’s George Larmer). Walking events have since taken place at several distances. The 50-kilometer race walk became an Olympic event in 1932; the 20-kilometer men's event replaced the 10-kilometer walk in 1956.

London Olympic 2012 will showcase the Race Walking Matches Venue (The Mall London) from 4 August to 11 August.Fans of the racewalking can get the racewalking tickets at Global Ticket Market on easy prices.