pituushyppyssä

Pituushyppyssä, often translated as long jump, is a track and field event in which athletes compete to see who can jump the farthest distance from a takeoff board into a sandpit. The event tests a combination of speed, strength, and technique.

The competition begins with athletes taking a running start, accelerating down a runway. As they approach the takeoff board, they must time their final stride to leap from a designated area, typically a wooden or synthetic board. A crucial element is not overstepping the foul line, which would result in a disqualified jump. Upon takeoff, athletes employ various techniques to maximize their horizontal distance. These generally fall into three categories: the hitch-kick, the hang, and the sail.

Following the jump, the distance is measured from the edge of the takeoff board to the closest mark made by any part of the athlete's body in the sandpit. Athletes typically have a set number of attempts, usually six, and their longest valid jump determines their final placing. Pituushyppyssä is a popular Olympic sport and a staple of athletic competitions worldwide.