In a sprint, hurdles, etc race, is it the person with the first body part that crosses the line that wins?

Question

Or does it have to be their body or their head. The reason I ask is because if it can be anything, why don't sprinters stretch their arms out when finishing the race rather than leaning forward.

Answer 1

It's their chest. In the semi-finals of the men's 100 meters one athlete's head finished ahead of another (for 2nd) but the photo finish gave the 2nd place to the runner who's chest broke the finish plain first.

This is an interesting rule though.

Good question.

Enjoy!

Answer 2

I've seen both being done in a race. Most people I've seen finishing a race propel their head foward towards the finish line while others their chest, both work but it depends on the athlete and both are accepted.