From the explosive sprinting and the endurance-testing long distances in the running.

To the dazzling mix of field events, with the throws and jumps.

There are also the combined events. For the women, it's seven disciplines in the heptathlon and for men, it's decathlon with the 10 events.

And apart from the odd piece of equipment it is so easy to get into.

So you want to amaze your friends and know more about each event?

Then click away for those essential rules, the record breakers and the superstars that have dominated the world.