Getting off the bus from a long journey, with the sun in your eyes is a common occurrence as a athlete in the Summer Term. Each new weekend brings a different school, a different track but the same events. It could be argued that this repetitiveness brings boredom, but some would argue that it brings a routine to the events of each weekend’s meet.
Moving to the track takes minimal time and once arrived, warmups begin for the earliest events. Hurdles, long jump, discus all start nice and early, breaking in each new meet before the main events begin to get going. Looking across the track itself, it’s hard to not spot one person or another lying in the sun or playing with a bit of grass in their fingers. One of the unique attributes of an athletics meet is that not a lot actually happens. At most, the 1500m race takes up a large portion of the day, but many shorter track or field events take little to no time to complete. A good 100m race will be wrapped up in about 12 seconds give or take, which leaves a lot of time for chats, naps and any potential avenues for food; whether it be ice cream or sandwiches, there will always be snacking taking place in the plentiful free time between events. An unlucky competitor will have each event positioned at opposite ends of the meet, being the first one up and the last one done.
The events themselves are wide ranging. From shotput’s bursts of strength to the endurance required to come out on top of a 1500m run, there’s something there for everyone to participate in. Win or lose, points are scored on the board regardless of which event they’re scored in. The 100m carries just the exact same weight as a discus event with three competitors turning up to compete.
As the events roll on and the sun begins to escape further from the travelling clouds, the weariness begins to set in. The day’s length is becoming evident as more competitors, done with their events, begin to doze off on the grass or on a stray bag stuffed with spare clothes. Track spikes lay across the ground, setting up their own mini obstacle course as more events are completed and competitors begin to return triumphant or defeated. Around this time is the 100m race, the popular pinnacle of the sport of athletics. Feet glide across the track, sweat is flung from bodies and arms are thrust in a repetitive rhythm akin to a pianist’s recital. Runners fly past finishing in 13, 12, 11 even 10 seconds and collecting their positions at race’s end, gathered crowd cheering on their school’s athlete’s efforts. Once this peak has been seen and completed the rest of the day’s events proceed. The athletes lucky enough to have finished even begin packing up, spikes, bands, books or laptops going back in bags in anticipation of the meet’s end.
The last events eventually take place: the collaborative 4x100m relays that have been chosen to complete the day’s proceedings. Each year group takes their turn impressing the on-looking crowd, now standing up and trying to get a better view of the race. 1st, 2nd,3rd, 4th make their way over the painted finish line. Whether a photo finish or a clear winner from start to end, the relays are always pleasant ways to end the day, the sun creeping across the sky towards the west.
The fully packed and ready competitors make their way back to their buses, bags or ice creams in hand and sprits well and truly worn. As they make their way onto the bus, some decide to collapse into sleep with their heads plastered to the windows beside them. Others decide on music as the best way to unwind and recover their energy for the rest of the weekend. Whichever they choose, the journey back is a chance to relax after a hard day’s work for all involved with the day’s events. Regardless of the number of events done, or the length of those events, each competitor has gained something from the meet, whether that’s a new technique or a new personal best, a new friend or a new realization about the work that goes into being better than the day before.
Competing against others has been proven to be the greatest teacher for athletes and sportspeople alike, and a Saturday track meet is truly no different.
