With a name derived from the Greek athos, which means competition, Athletics has evolved from prehistory to today, diversifying its sporting challenges for male and female athletes of all ages. However, the spirit of athletics remained unchanged, giving shape and value to the performance.

Organized athletic sports events date back to 776 BC, when the first Olympic Games took place in Athens, with track running as the main event. Over time, more tests are added: long-distance running, discus throwing, javelin throwing, jumping, etc. According to the model of the Olympic Games, later, in Europe, the Panhellenic Games and the Romanian Games are held.

However, the Romanians are not passionate about athletics, their competitions being mainly focused on fights between gladiators. That is precisely why they will ban the Olympic Games in 394 and replace them with their own contests.

The Olympic spirit will be reborn in Great Britain. Queen Victoria, a fan of sports festivals, will bring the Olympics back to the landscape, once she ascends the throne, in 1837. The news and passion for this competition will spread quickly...

The modern Olympic Games, with participants from 14 countries at the first edition, in 1896, will represent the fulfillment of Pierre de Coubertin's dream. He believes that international competitions between amateur athletes improve the friendship between different countries. Athens will also be the witness city of the rebirth of the Olympic spirit.

Women have the opportunity to participate in the Olympic Games starting with the 1928 edition

when the IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federation) was born. The new international athletic association has been organizing the World Championships since 1983.

At the regional level, among the most famous athletic competitions are: the European Championships, the Pan-American Games, as well as the Commonwealth Games. All this contributes to the promotion of athletic spirit and values.