Ankergang

Ankergang is a term used in athletics, particularly in track and field relay racing, to denote the final leg of a relay race. The anchor leg is typically run by the team’s strongest or most composed sprinter and is responsible for bringing the baton home while often managing high-pressure situations.

In practice, the ankergang involves receiving the baton in or near a critical phase of the race and attempting to either defend a lead or close a gap. The runner in this position is chosen for speed, nerves, and the ability to execute a strong final stretch and efficient baton exchanges under stress. The role emphasizes finishing capability as much as raw speed, since the outcome can hinge on the last leg.

The concept applies to common relay formats such as the 4x100 meters and the 4x400 meters. Teams may structure their lineup so that the fastest or most reliable sprinter handles the anchor leg, aiming to maximize performance in the decisive final moments.

Etymology and use: ankergang comes from Nordic languages, combining words akin to “anchor” and “leg,” and is commonly used in Danish and Norwegian sporting contexts. In English-language coverage, the equivalent term is “anchor leg.”

See also: relay race, 4x100 meters relay, 4x400 meters relay, baton exchange, anchor leg.