An Illustrated History of Sprints and Relays

By Mike Rosenbaum, About.com Guide

The 100-meter dash and the 4 x 100-meter relay were original events when women entered Olympic track and field competition in 1928. The 200-meter run was added in 1948, the 400 in 1964 and the 4 x 400 relay in 1972. Fanny Blankers-Koen of the Netherlands was the first Olympic women's 200-meter gold medalist in 1948. She also won the 100 and the 80-meter hurdles in those London Games.

Previous

• The early days of sprints and relays
• Chariots of Fire
• Four golds for Owens
• Women sprinters join Olympics
• The World's Fastest Man
• Relay success
• Unique double
• Dominant teams
• Where sprints and relays are now

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