An Illustrated History of Race Walking

The early days of race walking

Italy's Ugo Frigerio wins the 10-kilometer race walk at the 1924 Olympics

IOC Olympic Museum/Allsport/Getty Images

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.

Index: An Illustrated History of Race Walking

1. The early days of race walking
2. Women walk in
3. Where race walking is now