ATHLETICS DEVELOPMENT IN THE TULA REGION

In the study, the authors set a goal to analyze the history of the development of athletics in the Tula region in the XX–XXI centuries. Materials and methods: the achievement of the goal was ensured by using the method of theoretical analysis and generalization of literary and documentary sources on the identified problem. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the fact that the main stages of the development of athletics in the Tula region are highlighted, scattered information is systematized on creating conditions for development through the implementation of state tasks and strengthening the material and technical base, on ongoing sports events and achievements of athletes in the region at the national and international levels. Results. Available data suggests that athletics in the Tula region originates in 1912. The most popular athletics disciplines were pole vaulting, running at various distances, and hammer throwing. During the formation of the young Soviet state, the leadership of the region began to pay close attention to improving the material and technical base to ensure a high-quality training process and increase the athletic performance of athletes. From 1930 to 1945, athletics, along with cycling and skiing, was used as one of the most effective means of training defenders of the Fatherland. Analysis of the history of athletics in the second half of the twentieth century indicates that the most effective period is 1950–1965. It was during this period that Tula athletes, together with cyclists, were the first representatives of this region to take part in the 1952 Olympic Games in Helsinki and 1956 in Melbourne. Athletes A. Chudina, G. Suchkov, A. Yulin brought worldwide fame to their region. Subsequently, S. Zhelanov, N. Roshchupkina, N. Kovtun, T. Ledovskaya, N. Nazarova, O. Zykina contributed to the piggy bank of sports achievements of the region. Conclusions. The conducted research made it possible to identify the main stages of the development of athletics in the Tula region, which are associated with such facts as the start of operation of various sports facilities, holding competitions of various levels, etc. The current state of physical culture and sports allows us to state that athletics in the Tula region is a popular, sought-after sport, and inspires confidence in the success of development in the future.