Everything you need to know about track and field in 26 easy installments

6/24/08

Confused by track and field? You’re not alone.

Sure, in its basic forms, the sport is very simple. Jump higher, or longer. Throw farther. Run faster. Keep turning left, and come back first.

If you understand only those elements — and the dramatic prospect that in the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials, the top three in each event will usually (but not always) fulfill a dream of reaching the Olympic Games — you can enjoy immensely the meet that begins Friday at Hayward Field.