Pituushypyssä

Pituushypyssä, known in English as the long jump, is a track and field event contested at the Olympic Games and other athletic competitions. The objective of the event is for an athlete to jump as far as possible from a takeoff board, landing in a sand pit. Athletes typically run at a maximum speed before reaching the takeoff board, which they must not cross with their foot. The distance of the jump is measured from the edge of the takeoff board to the nearest mark made by any part of the athlete's body in the landing area.

The long jump requires a combination of speed, strength, and technique. Athletes develop a powerful run-up to generate momentum, followed by a precise takeoff to convert horizontal speed into vertical lift. Upon launching, athletes employ various techniques, such as the hitch-kick or the hang, to maximize their airborne time and distance before landing. A successful landing involves extending the legs forward and maintaining balance to avoid falling backward, which would result in a shorter measured distance.

The event has a long history, dating back to ancient Greek Olympics. Modern long jump competitions are governed by World Athletics (formerly IAAF) rules. Records are meticulously kept, with the current men's world record held by Mike Powell of the United States at 8.95 meters, and the women's world record by Galina Chistyakova of the Soviet Union at 7.52 meters. The long jump is a popular spectator sport, showcasing athleticism and the pursuit of human performance limits.