100 metres

Discipline: Track

The 100 metres is the classic short sprint in athletics, testing explosive speed, reaction, and acceleration over a straight course. It has been part of the Olympic programme since the first modern Games in 1896 and quickly became one of the defining events of track athletics.

In 1896, the event was contested through heats followed by a final, with the top two runners from each heat advancing. In 1900, the competition format became more elaborate: first-round heats were followed by semi-finals, a repechage round, and a final. This reflected the larger field in Paris and the still-evolving organization of early Olympic athletics.

Over time, the event became increasingly standardized, with improved track surfaces, more precise timing, starting blocks, and clearer false-start and qualification rules. Despite these changes, the essential character of the 100 metres has remained the same: a direct test of speed over the shortest standard outdoor sprint distance.